From 1 February 2024, livestock farmers in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire will be able to access the 'Farm for the Future Programme', delivered by Pasture for Life working with the Royal Countryside Fund.

The programme, funded by Defra's Future Farm Resilience Fund, aims to help farmers improve the resilience of their business, enhance their farm environment and adapt to climate and policy change.

Over the next six months, the programme will deliver a series of free interactive livestock workshops led by knowledgeable and inspiring farmers. All will include time for farmer-to-farmer networking and learning, signposting and next-step planning.

The scheme will be launched at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester on Thursday, February 1, with talks from a university academic and Pasture for Life's head of research Nikki Yoxall, speaking on alternative farming practices for improving sustainability.

All participants will join the Royal Countryside Find's Farm Resilience Network and gain access to a bank of resources and ongoing support. They will also benefit from a free year-long introductory membership of Pasture for Life, worth £120.

Any tenant farmer or owner-occupier currently in receipt of BPS in England can join the programme, even if they have already participated in one run by The Royal Countryside Fund. Apply to check your eligibility by emailing Sarah Williams at sarah.williams@pastureforlife.org.uk or register your interest here.

More information about the programme can be found here.

In addition, Pasture for Life has launched the Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes Programme in the Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Downs.

This programme will provide free mentoring and events to farmers in these protected areas who are interested in integrating grazing animals to boost farm profits and biodiversity, thanks to funding by the Farming in Protected Landscapes Fund (FiPL). This will run until March 2025.

The programme, which has been successfully running in other areas of the country, offers free innovative farmer-led mentoring and events.

Farmers wishing to know more about joining this scheme can email ccnwd@pastureforlife.org and find more information about the programme here.