In early December Tim and Jo, along with Tommy Dale, were able to meet with some of our local farmers at their farms: Tom and Willie Middlemas at Markle, and Colin and Andrew Hunter from Stonelaws.  CAEL is keen to get to know the views and positions of local farmers with regards to biodiversity and farming practices, and this was a great first step. 

The Middlemas farm has an amazing array of trees which they planted in late 1980s and which have grown to a huge height, each of which is clearly known, loved and with a story to tell.  Lots of inspiration to be had!

The Hunters also inspired us greatly with their conservation agricultural practices, many of which are solutions to both the climate and biodiversity crises.  This includes no or low till so as to reduce disturbance on the soil, keeping the soil covered all year round, grass margins, hedgerow planting and the creation of ponds.  The benefits have included greater biodiversity (e.g the lapwings are back, more bees and insects), better soil, drainage and nutrition, and lower fixed costs.

It was a very thought provoking afternoon and CAEL is looking forward to meeting with more farmers in the local area in early 2021.