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Talk and Tour on Regenerative Agriculture at Coppet Hill
*** A very enjoyable Talk and Farm Tour, thanks to all who attended ***
This year we have arranged not one but two farm visits, the first is to Coppet Hill/ Purcombe Farm located in Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, see details below. On 30th June (revised date), we visit Eastbrook Farm in Shillingstone, organised by Shaun Leavey, the organic beef farm does a great deal of diversification alongside the commercial livestock enterprise – booking details for the visit to Eastbrook Farm will be published at the end of May.
Coppet Hill/ Purcombe Farm farm visit on 21st May, 11am
Coppet Hill is located between the villages of Broadoak and Whitchurch Canonicorum in West Dorset’s Marshwood Vale. Surrounded by some of Dorset’s most spectacular hills, amazing views of Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast, the 600-acre family farm is a paradise for walkers and nature-lovers, with over 8 miles of footpaths and trails to explore.
George’s father established a dairy at Purcombe Farm in the 1950s and cows have long been part of the landscape in the Marshwood Vale, being ideal for growing grass. But in 2021, the family made the decision to move out of dairy farming and explore a new more environmental approach of managing the land.
Working with local organisations such as Dorset Wildlife Trust and being mindful of climate change, the environment and biodiversity, they are rethinking how they farm. They minimising the use of the plough in order to keep carbon in the ground, and managing their crop rotation and livestock grazing to improve the health of their soil. Wildlife is encouraged to thrive in their traditional hedgerows, and they are fully embracing the government’s new countryside stewardship schemes.
A visit to Coppet Hill is an opportunity for CPRE members to learn about Regenerative Agriculture, what is involved and the changes required to farm responsibly, sustainably, and respectfully. There is a charge of £15 per adult which includes tea/coffee and cake on arrival.
What to bring for the Talk and Farm Tour?
Following the Tractor and Trailer Farm Tour, if you plan to explore the nature trails in your own time, then best to bring stout walking shoes as some of the farm is on a slope and it can get muddy. If inclement weather is predicted, please dress appropriately.
PROGRAMME
| 11:00 | Arrive and welcome. Tea, coffee and cake. |
| 11:20 – 11:55 | Talk from George Streatfeild and Ellen Kingston on the Coppet Hill journey, how they farm regeneratively now and the results they have seen from this. Followed by a Q&A. |
| 12:00 | Tractor and Trailer Farm Tour – this route will take you through fields with various crops, new woodland, new hedgerows. George and Ellen will talk you through what is happening at each section. |
| 12:45 | Return to Purcombe Barn. Welcome to bring a picnic lunch and continue to enjoy the stunning views from Coppet Hill! The camping shop will be open so there will also be a chance to buy local soft drinks and ice cream. |
Directions to the farm – meeting point
The Purcombe Barn is reached from the east entrance of the farm. Follow the post code DT6 5NW, which will bring you in from Broadoak.
From the Coppet Hill sign at the farm entrance to the Purcombe Barn it is 2km. This route will take you along the farm drive, round past the FirePot offices and farm cottages and then take the left where it is signposted for Purcombe Barn, this will take you up through the centre of the farm for half a mile until you reach the Purcombe Barn (post code DT6 6RL).
The car park is on the right hand side as you come up the hill to the Purcombe Barn and buildings. You’ll see a little white parking sign on the road. What3Words: transmits.slowly.eggplants
How to book for Coppet Hill Farm Visit
We hope very much that you will be able to come, the numbers are limited to 40 and spaces are still available. If spaces are available, please book by 19th May. Dorset CPRE is extremely grateful to the family for kindly agreeing to host this visit on Wednesday morning, 21st May. There is a charge of £15 per adult which includes tea/coffee and cake on arrival. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times.
Please pay by bank transfer, BACS details available on request.
Or, by Cheque payable to Dorset CPRE and post to Bob Bowmer, Fairfield House, 2 King’s Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4HU.
If you would like to come, please select the ‘Book Now’ link to email us and send payment separately. No tickets will be issued. We encourage members to car share where possible. .
We encourage members to car share where possible.
