The National Trust and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust have unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the farm surrounding Great Chalfield Manor in Wiltshire.
This historic estate, under the care of the National Trust since 1943, is set to become a beacon of nature recovery and regenerative farming.
The partnership aims to convert over 200 acres of arable and pasture land into a model of climate-resilient food production and ecological balance. The newly acquired land, including an additional 33 hectares (82 acres), will be leased to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. This innovative collaboration also features a tree-planting initiative in partnership with the Great Western Community Forest, which will see 11,000 trees integrated into the landscape as part of wood pasture and agroforestry systems.
The estate has been stewarded by Robert Floyd, the grandson of the original donor, and his wife Patsy. With their retirement approaching, the National Trust has seized the opportunity to extend the estate and build on the work Robert’s father, Charles Floyd, started as one of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s founders. The aim is to establish a Farming and Nature Learning Hub, designed to help local farmers and communities adopt nature-based solutions.
This initiative will create species-rich grasslands, hedgerows, and ponds to address both the nature and climate crises while exploring new sources of green finance. By integrating nature-based projects into farming systems, the partnership hopes to demonstrate how environmental services can provide new income streams for farmers, enhance soil health, and support nature’s recovery.
Robert Floyd expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “My late father used to say, ‘It all starts with the plants.’ This new partnership will illustrate how sustainable farming practices can coexist with habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement. We aim to show how farming can be both productive and beneficial for nature.”
Ian Wilson, Director of Operations for Wiltshire and Dorset at the National Trust, highlighted the project’s significance: “We are thrilled to partner with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Great Western Community Forest. This project will not only provide more space for nature but also offer a practical example of how land can be managed for both environmental and food production benefits.”
Joanna Lewis, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, added: “This collaboration takes us back to the roots of our organisation. We’re excited to create a learning hub at Great Chalfield, showcasing how nature-friendly farming and green finance can work hand in hand.”
The first steps for this project involve comprehensive assessments of the land’s biodiversity, soil, and hydrology. Tree-planting efforts will commence soon, supported by over 2,000 volunteers from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
