We recently held the inaugural AGM of the Fellside Facilitation Farmers’ Group, marking the first anniversary of the formation of the group.

The event kicked off with a soil aeration technique demonstration at Colstons Farm, Melmerby, where Andy Dyer from ERT showcased the conservation charity’s aerator and pan buster, which are available for hire free of charge by any farmer in the Eden catchment (contact ERT for details). Then it was on to Rowley Estate’s Melmerby Hall for a talk on regenerative agriculture from Frontier Agriculture.

Before a splendid pie supper by Old Village Bakery, Melmerby, the business of the AGM took place. ERT’s Fellside Group facilitator, Anna Holliday, summarised the highlights of the last year, presented a plan for the coming year and offered members a chance to voice their preferences for topics to be explored in future events.

The Fellside Facilitation Farmers’ Group welcomes new members to swell their ranks.

The aim of the group is to learn and implement good farming practices on farm to improve natural flood management, soil health, agroforestry/hedgerow installation and management, and nutrient and resource management, through attending events with guest speakers, demonstrations and farm walks.

If you are within the Fellside area (Pennines) and the catchment of the river Eden and its tributaries and are interested in joining the group (free of charge) please contact Anna Holliday email: anna.holliday@edenrt.org, call 01768 866788