Join the Essex Local Nature Recoverty Strategy (LNRS) team on Wednesday 8th May at a free farm walk at the Salvation Army Hadleigh Farm Estate. The walk will be led by Ciaran Egan (Salvation Army Hadleigh Farm Estate Director), Ethan Powell (Oakbank Game & Conservation Ltd) and ecologist Sarah Brockless (Spains Hall Estate).
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Farming in England is changing rapidly. There has never been a more important time for us all to play a key role in shaping how land is managed, and the new Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), led by Essex County Council and the Essex Nature Partnership will be a vital part of this ambition.
Along with Hadleigh Farm Estate Director Ciaran Egan, well-known Essex farming ecologist Sarah Brockless and Ethan Powell from Oakbank Game & Conservation Ltd, the Essex LNRS team are hosting a FREE farm walk at the Salvation Army Hadleigh Farm Estate on May 8th, 2024. Interested farmers and landowners are invited to meet for coffee/tea at the Hub Café at Hadleigh Park at 2pm, before walking around the farm.
The walking route will incorporate the chance to see first-hand a number of initiatives that Hadleigh Farm Estate has introduced through enrolment in Stewardship Schemes. This includes Arable reversion of land to achieve the creation of the wildlife and habitat corridor, management of the species-rich acidic grassland and more. The walk will also provide the opportunity to see some of the farm diversification projects including glamping and the Scandinavian outdoor nursery model.
This informal event will be an opportunity for farmers and landowners to learn more about the county’s LNRS, discuss farming practices, initiatives, funding opportunities and to share, discuss and feedback.
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As Director of the Salvation Army Hadleigh Farm Estate, Ciaran Egan manages the 900 acre site. He is committed to environmental protection and providing training for sustainable living.
Ethan Powell from Oakbank Game & Conservation Ltd, who has worked with Hadleigh Farm Estate on the Sustainable Farming Incentive and the creation of the wetlands, will also be leading the walk, alongside Sarah Brockless. Sarah is an experienced ecologist who has worked as a farm adviser for many years in Essex, creating and managing agri-environment schemes, such as Countryside Stewardship, along with Biodiversity Net Gain projects. She now works at Spains Hall Estate in Finchingfield.
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Made mandatory by the Environment Act 2021, LNRSs are a new tool aimed at delivering environmental benefits across England through greater collaboration and clearly defined action plans. The Essex LNRS is currently being drafted and will guide future funding, influence planning and shape the landscape of natural spaces in Essex over years to come. Farmers and landowners are custodians of our countryside – you know your land best and we want to hear from you.
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All Essex residents have the chance to find out more and have their say to define the future of our natural spaces between now and Autumn 2024.
Visit https://essexnaturepartnership.co.uk for more information about the Essex LNRS and please get in touch on nature.partnership@essex.gov.uk with any questions in the meantime.
