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. 

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 

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.