How We Farm

Permaculture and the regenerative agriculture movement have been big influencers in the direction we’ve taken the farm. Learning that observing and working with nature can be so much more productive than trying to fight against it.

Our core aims are to:

• Produce high quality, nutrient dense food for the local community.
• Increase biodiversity across the farm landscape.
• Connect with the local community by providing opportunities to access the land.
• Be a viable business resilient to climatic and economic uncertainties.

What is Regenerative Agriculture?

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming and land management that focuses on restoring and enhancing the health and biodiversity of the soil, ecosystem, and community. Unlike conventional farming methods, which often deplete soil nutrients and rely heavily on synthetic chemicals, regenerative agriculture aims to rebuild soil fertility, improve water retention, and increase carbon sequestration through practices like crop rotation, agroforestry, cover cropping, and reduced tillage. By working with nature rather than against it, regenerative agriculture seeks to create a sustainable, resilient farming system that not only produces food but also contributes positively to the environment, combats climate change, and fosters a more equitable food system. The emphasis is on long-term ecological balance, with the goal of making farms more productive and regenerative, ensuring the land can continue to thrive for generations to come.

How Does That Look At Haye Farm?

We don’t use artificial fertilisers and chemical sprays, instead we look to the biology in the soil, diversity in our pastures and natural predators to build resilience into our whole farm system. The farm sequesters carbon by building its topsoil; we do this by mob-grazing our livestock with daily moves through the pasture, composting all our farmyard manures and adding locally sourced woodchip to create a fungal rich compost to feed and boost the soil microbes.

We continue to integrate more trees into our farmed landscape in the form of agroforestry. Stacking tree crops on top of the pasture is adding an exciting new dimension to the farm. Leaf browse provides the livestock with minerals, trace elements and tannins (for worm control) not found in the pasture. Shade and shelter are also provided along with additional crops like nuts, mulberries and of course timber. In the process wildlife habitat is being created across the farm, with natural wildlife corridors traversing the landscape.
The farm is in a Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) agreement with land management targeting wildlife and habitat improvement. The scheme also funds educational access allowing us to host free.

Are You Organic?

We are not currently certified organic this is because of the high cost, we would have to pass this on to customers. Where as we feel if customers come to visit the farm they can have a better look at what we are doing/about.