The third in a series of short films produced as part of the 'Down to Earth' project; a collaboration between Agricology, RuralPod Media and Down to Earth Media (funded by the Rothschild Foundation), which focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices being used on the Waddesdon Estate and beyond. The project looks at approaches being used to transition towards no/low input farming methods whilst highlighting the potential for agroecological innovation.
This film (featuring Olly Pemberton, Farm Manager and agronomist, and Chris Leach, Head of Sustainability and Conservation), focuses on nature friendly farming techniques being implemented on the estate to allow them to adapt to the changes in climate, improving biodiversity and increasing environmental resilience across the farmland. We hear about how they are working within the stewardship schemes. Activities such as widening crop rotations, making the best use of wooded areas, different ways of integrating livestock, creating wetlands and developing diverse habitats, are allowing them to reduce herbicide applications and run a zero-insecticide policy. Olly also describes new machinery and technology being used to tackle the weed burden on the estate - particularly blackgrass. Chris describes how they are working with conservation groups and volunteers to monitor wildlife across the estate and ensure the practices they carry out are making the differences they want to see.
*Narrated by Ben Eagle
Find out more about the project here tinyurl.com/7unsm9cp/