Regenerative Farming: Just a Buzzword? Think Again.

Sick of hearing that farming is wrecking the planet? So are WE! The media loves to blame agriculture, but in my view (and with a few exceptions) Regenerative Farming isn’t some fluffy marketing term – it’s a radical overhaul of how we farm. This is certainly what’s taking place here at Lower Blakemere. It’s a really tough transition and an ongoing journey, but it’s worth setting out the actions we’ve taken, and why.

No Ploughing – We’re Letting Our Soil Thrive
We’ve ditched the plough – and hopefully for good. For decades, it’s been tearing up soil, releasing carbon, and leaving land barren. Not anymore. At Lower Blakemere, we’ve ditched the plough. We leave our soil undisturbed, allowing it to hold onto carbon, retain moisture, and rebuild its natural structure. The result? Healthier crops, richer soil, and a big step forward for sustainable farming.

Less Chemicals – Healthier Land, Healthier Food
Chemical fertilisers and pesticides? We’re cutting right back year by year. Why load the land with artificial chemicals when given a chance nature does the job better? By using fewer inputs, we’re letting the soil heal and thrive naturally. The days of farming with synthetic quick fixes are over – it’s time for long-term solutions.

Adding Manure and Organic Matter – Feeding the Soil
The waste from our cattle and pigs is pure gold for the land. By adding manure back into the fields, we’re replenishing the soil with organic matter, helping to rebuild its structure and fertility. It’s a win-win: our animals are helping to grow the food for the next generation, and our soil is richer and more productive for it.

The Johnson-Su Bioreactor – Boosting Microbial Life
We’re also using a Johnson-Su bioreactor to create high-quality compost that’s packed with the beneficial microbes our soil needs. This process creates a powerful compost that’s rich in fungal and bacterial life, which is crucial for soil regeneration. By applying this compost to our fields, we’re not only improving soil fertility but also boosting the long-term health of the land.

Worm Casts and Compost – Nature’s Fertiliser
With a little help from our worms (!), we’re incorporating worm casts and high-quality compost into our fields. Worm casts are one of the best natural fertilisers out there – full of nutrients that plants love and excellent for soil structure. This is a key part of how we’re building healthy, resilient soils without relying on synthetic chemicals.

Bokashi in Our Cow Sheds – Tackling Waste the Smart Way
We’re also embracing bokashi, the ancient Japanese method of fermenting organic waste. In our cow sheds, we’re using bokashi to break down manure and other organic matter faster and more efficiently. This process reduces smells and harmful pathogens, turning waste into a rich resource that can be used to fertilise the land without losing precious nutrients.

Less Talk, More Action – Real Regeneration
We know there’s cynicism about regenerative farming. People think it’s all talk. But here at Lower Blakemere Farm, and all over the UK farmers are making real, measurable changes to how we farm – and the land is thriving because of it. Our soils are healthier, our emissions are lower, and we’re producing top-quality food without the environmental cost. Here’s the general principals of Regenerative Agriculture which is what we are basing our efforts on.
1.    Soil Health: Improve the soil by adding organic matter and reducing disturbance, which helps it retain more water and nutrients.
2.    Biodiversity: Support a variety of plants and animals to create a balanced and resilient ecosystem.
3.    Water Management: Use water responsibly and efficiently to sustain plants and replenish groundwater.
4.    Cover Crops: Keep the soil covered with plants all year round to protect it from erosion and help maintain its quality.
5.    Integrate Livestock: Use animals in farming to naturally fertilise the soil and help control weeds and pests through their grazing patterns.