Working with farmers and landowners
Farming in Cornwall
Farming has shaped Cornwall's unique landscape for generations. Today, more than 70% of the county is farmed, from dairy and beef systems on grass pastures to productive arable and vegetable farms on Cornwall's more fertile soils.
Farmers are at the heart of nature’s future. That’s why we work alongside hundreds of farmers and landowners to support practical, sustainable farming that benefits both wildlife and long-term food production.
More than 70% of Cornwall is used to produce our food. We must work collaboratively with farmers if we are to bring nature back. We have a shared passion for Cornwall and its wildlife and good things happen when we learn from each other.Head of Conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Why we work with farmers
Landscape-scale nature recovery cannot happen without farmers.
Our State of Nature Cornwall report highlighted significant declines in wildlife across the county, including farmland birds and butterflies. To create a Cornwall where nature thrives, we need sustainable food production and wildlife working hand in hand.
Well-managed farmland can:
- Support pollinators, birds and other wildlife
- Protect rivers and improve water quality
- Store carbon and improve soil health
- Reduce flood risk
- Create connected habitats across the landscape
By managing land for both food production and nature, farms can become vital places where wildlife can recover and flourish.
Just as importantly, many nature-friendly practices can strengthen farm businesses. With farmers, we challenge the idea that higher production always leads to greater profits and instead offer advice on how businesses can achieve stronger financial returns while supporting richer nature and greater resilience to climate and market pressures. For more information about this concept, see our Farming at the Sweet Spot blog post.
How we can help
With more than 15 years' experience supporting Cornwall's farming community, our team of specialist farm advisers and ecologists provides trusted, practical advice tailored to individual holdings.
Depending on location and project eligibility, much of our support is available free of charge. We also offer a range of paid services.
Our Services Include:
- Soil testing and nutrient management planning
- Advice on Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes and other funding opportunities
- Grazing management support
- Woodland management planning
- Ecological surveys and habitat management advice
- Support for County Wildlife Sites and SSSIs
- Infrastructure grant opportunities through selected projects
- Volunteer support for practical conservation work, including Cornish hedge restoration and scrub management
Nina Constable
Current Projects
Upstream Thinking
As a delivery partner in South West Water's Upstream Thinking programme, we work with farmers to improve water quality, soil health and wildlife habitats across priority catchments in Cornwall.
Our team provides advice and practical support to help farms make changes that benefit both the environment and farm productivity.
Find out more about Upstream Thinking and whether your land is eligible for support by getting in touch - upstreamthinking@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.
Catchments for Upstream Thinking Phase 3
Badger Vaccination Project
We work with farmers, veterinarians, researchers and partners across Cornwall to deliver badger vaccination programmes as part of efforts to tackle bovine TB.
Interested farmers and landowners can work with us to explore badger vaccination on their land and contribute to a collaborative, science-led approach.
Visit our badger vaccination page to learn more.
Vaccinated badger being released (c) Seth Jackson
Truro VEU
We are working with farmers in the Allen catchment north of Truro to reduce pollution by offering farm advice and capital grants, particularly on livestock farms, to improve the ecological quality of the river and watercourses. Alongside this, the project will share the principles of Equiculture and sustainable land management to horse owners in this catchment and wider afield. This is aimed at improving pasture management and as a result decreasing the risk of run off and pollution.
Water Restoration Fund
The Water Restoration Fund is a UK government initiative that reinvests water company fines into local projects to restore and improve rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, and estuarine waters.
We are offering farm advice to landowners and farmers in the West Looe River catchment that focusses on improving water quality and slowing the flow of water downstream.
Fal Rivers to Reef
More information on this project coming soon
Mousehole
We are working with farmers and land managers in the Mousehole catchment as part of a 10 year project, sponsored by the Environment Agency, to reduce flood risk in Mousehole. This includes working to improve soil health so that more water is stored on the land, planting new trees and hedges, creating protected riverside or riparian habitats as well as helping farmers access capital and stewardship grants that support environmental improvement.
Get in touch
Whether you're looking for funding opportunities, practical advice or habitat management support, we'd love to hear from you.
Email: farm.ecology.advice@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
Together, we can create a future where Cornwall's farms, wildlife and communities thrive side by side.
Tractor in the field, Image by Jess Reed
Treskybar Farm
As part of our South West Water funded Upstream Thinking Project, we have empowered over 180 farmers and landowners to move towards more sustainable and regenerative land management and farming practices. This includes helping Philip, one of the farmers we have worked with in our Cober catchment area, to improve soil at his farm.
Badger, Image by David Lidstone
Mid-Cornwall Farmer Keith Truscott
We’ve worked with a trail-blazing group of farmers in mid-Cornwall who have asked us to vaccinate badgers on their land. One of those farmers, Keith, spoke about his experience at our Wildlife Matters LIVE event.