A local farmer–led project is aiming to spread the word about sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
The RegenFarm Network has already attracted support from several Galloway landowners – and is keen to welcome more.
Pressing environmental concerns such as the climate and biodiversity crisis prompted the initiative’s creation.
It provides a knowledge sharing forum which gives farmers the chance to tell others what practices work – and what ones don’t.
Group organiser Abi Mordin, a market gardener from near Balmaclellan, told the News: “The network is an open door for people who want to find out more about regenerative and sustainable agriculture.
“It’s also about supporting Scotland’s transition to more nature-friendly farming systems to help us tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.”
Gatehouse of Fleet farmer John Veitch joined the group last year a year ago – after going on a farm walk.
He said: “For a long time I’ve been trying to include nature and biodiversity in my daily thinking.
“I was aware of regenerative practices, and had been doing my own version through reducing fertiliser and grazing longer swards.
“It’s became clear to me that something had to change and I stumbled across this group when looking for further reading and learning opportunities.
“It was gratifying to find there was more local interest and a knowledgeable and friendly group who put up with me.”
Anyone signing up to the RegenFarm Network receives a weekly bulletin with a round-up of online and in-person events, podcasts, videos, research and other reading.
Hot topics include healthy living soils, high nature value farming, holistic management and grazing systems, and cutting inputs through biological and integrated management.
The network links to the Soil Health Group, which is supported by the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fund.
And it is part of a Scotland wide partnership, Agroecology: Enabling the Transition, which involves the Landworkers’ Alliance, Pasture for Life, Soil Association Scotland, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Propagate and Nourish Scotland,
Irene McCreath, who farms near Carsphairn, said: “Even though we have a diverse range within the group, from shore level to hilltops, things still have a similarity which makes one person’s results and findings more relevant and relatable.
“For some of us it is lack of mains water and how to try and manage both grass and access to water.
“For others it’s dealing with the sheer amount of rainfall in this area.
“All of it is useful and encouraging.”
And Twynholm farmer Tim Barnes, who has hosted a farm walk, said: “The network provides connections with people locally who are looking to develop their approach and practices in regenerative farming.
“Our farm walks and the Soil Health WhatsApp and evening Zoom calls generate free and wide ranging discussion, about soil, farming practices, environmental and climate issues, as well as supply chain and other economic considerations.”
The RegenFarm Network is free to join and is open to all types of farmers and food producers.
Members include beef cattle, sheep and dairy farmers, as well as market gardeners.
More information is available at dgsustainablefoodpartnership.org/regenerative-farming-network
