The multiple benefits of moving away from conventional farming
techniques is demonstrated for real at Elstone Farm, Copplestone.
On 19th May, Andy Gray, opened his farm to the public to find out
more. Volunteers from Sustainable Crediton, who had helped plant
the rows of trees in newly seeded flowery meadows several years
ago, were delighted to see how well they're growing.
We heard about the benefits that converting fields on the
lower slopes of his farm to grass and trees were bringing to his
farming operation and the cottages sitting at the bottom of the
hill. The annual flooding of the cottages, when the land was
ploughed each year for arable crops, has ceased. As we stood
listening to Andy's eloquent and passionate explanation, we could
also hear the insects and birds around us living amongst the
wildflowers and trees around us. At the same time, Andy pointed out
that his spreadsheets show the benefit to his animals and the
bottom-line of his food production company. His commitment earned
him a place in the finals of the BBC's Food and Farming Awards in
2023.
To find out more about Andy's farm see this video: why are we researching
silvopasture design?
To find out more about agroforestry have a look at the Soil
Association website.
Sarah Alsbury
![Andy Gray Elston Farm open day 0524](/media/979316/elston-farm-andy-gray_989x742.jpg)
![Elston Farm Open Day 0524](/media/979317/elston-farm-open-day-group_989x742.jpg)