Over the past few weeks, Abby and Dee have been carrying out a series of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus, GCN) surveys across ponds in Norfolk. GCN are a protected species in the UK and are considered an important indicator of healthy freshwater ecosystems. The presence of breeding populations often
LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) is a UK‑based organisation that promotes sustainable farming through its Integrated Farm Management (IFM) principles. The LEAF Marque Standard is an environmental assurance system that recognises landowners who are committed to responsible soil management, biodiversity protection, efficient water and energy use, and overall sustainable production. When consumers see the LEAF Marque label,
Author: Abigail Dent Natural England’s District Level Licensing (DLL) scheme has now been running for five years, delivering a strategic approach to creating and restoring high-quality pond habitats where they can have the greatest ecological impact. The scheme funds compensatory habitat for Great Crested Newts, offsetting the loss of ponds
DEFRA have published a blog outlining their expectations for the Capital Grants 2026 round. This will look very similar to the 2025 round, with a similar range of items which are grouped into categories, and there will still be limits applied to each group of items. As last year, there
The Norfolk Deer Strategy Project Manager, Michael Anker, has been involved in deer management for over 30 years. Both as a deer manager, as well as co-ordinating deer managers on his farm. A member, and collaborator, with many of the deer management groups, Michael is well placed to comment on
Since August 2025, Michael has been hard at work having meaningful conversations with stakeholders across the county; co-ordinating a considered approach to collaborative deer management, which mitigates pressures on habitat and crop loss, whilst ensuring highly nutritious and ethically sourced meat can reach our local communities. Below, Michael shares his
Information Correct as of 25th February DEFRA have finally provided a long awaited update on the next phase of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. The secretary of state for DEFRA stood up at the NFU conference on 24th February 2026 and presented some of the details, which was then followed up by a
Farm Environment Advisor, Marta Gibbons, has successfully processed Norfolk’s first CS Higher Tier for woodland. This 10 year agreement includes payments for managing, restoring and improving woodland habitats. An up to date Woodland Management Plan (WMP) as well as Deer Management Plan (DMP) must be in place in order to
We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Ian MacNicol Farm Conservation Award, which recognises outstanding commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship on Norfolk farms. The award celebrates farmers and land managers who are making a positive difference for wildlife, landscapes and natural resources, while continuing
Disclaimer: Information Accurate as of 28.01.26 Due to various factors, the RPA are behind with the number of Higher Tier schemes currently being approved and live in the system. For now, landowners can only apply if they were invited to do so and completed a pre-application form, choosing actions aligned
We all know the benefits of trees and hedgerows, carbon sequestration, water filtration, flood mitigation, and habitats for countless birds, mammals, and invertebrates. You’ve heard it all before. But let’s talk about what trees mean for you as a farmer in today’s unpredictable world. Farming has never been straightforward. With
Natural England has released its major new strategy (November 2025) and it sets out a bold, future-facing vision for how the UK must protect, restore and work with nature. At its heart is a simple but powerful message: nature isn’t an optional extra, it’s essential national infrastructure. Healthy soils, thriving
Every year Norfolk FWAG looks to promote a farm which has embraced conservation actions, whilst maintaining a commercial farming business. We are always pleased to see the amazing work being done to protect our precious environment, even with the constraints of a busy farming year. 2025 was no exception, and at
Richard Waddingham Award celebrates Norfolk’s farming ponds and wildlife The late Richard Waddingham of Manor Farm, Briston understood the importance of water in the landscape and recognised that, when managed properly, ponds can support a rich variety of native wildlife, even in areas of intensive agriculture. He was an inspiration
As the organiser of the NLCE, it has been my mission to curate a programme which is engaging and thought provoking, but ultimately I have tried to develop a programme which allows each attendee to take something away with them to implement in their business; whether that being a farming
Protecting Norfolk’s waterways, wetlands, and countryside means staying vigilant about invasive species. These plants can quickly spread, disrupt local habitats, and outcompete our native flora. Below, we’ve highlighted several invasive species recently spotted in the Yare Valley and River Wensum, along with a few native species that can sometimes be
Overview of Dung Beetle Species in the UK In the UK there are 60 species of dung beetle, approximately 50% of which are nationally scarce or listed as threatened. These insects provide important ecosystem services in grazing systems, including the recycling of dung from the surface into the soil, and
We’re delighted to celebrate the success of Tom Ewin, who has just completed his placement year with Norfolk FWAG as part of his BSc (Hons) Environmental Land Management degree at Harper Adams University. Tom has been named the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year 2025, receiving
Supporting Farmers and Inspiring the Next Generation The Royal Norfolk Show is the UK’s largest two-day agricultural event, attracting thousands of visitors to celebrate Norfolk’s rural heritage, farming, food, and environmental work. This year, Norfolk FWAG (Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group) was proud to take part once again, connecting with
By Holly Beatty As the new NFWAG placement student, I started my first week attending Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture festival, at Lannock farm in Hertfordshire. The event hosts over 10,000 attendees; farmers, growers and anyone interested in the agri-food and environment sector. The 2 day ‘festival’ is to learn the theory
Deer management is essential to maintain ecological balance, an overpopulation causes a negative impact on flora and fauna biodiversity through overgrazing. This habitat degradation negatively impacts vulnerable birds such as the nightingale, nightjar and woodcock. It is also necessary for mitigating agricultural damage, which can cause significant economic losses for
The Norfolk FWAG annual Farm Conservation Competition ran in 2024 with four entrants. The award is presented to the farm who can demonstrate willingness to implement conservation measure on their farms, alongside their usual commercial business. The judges are also looking for farms who are inclined to look at diversification,
The past few months have certainly been turbulent for farmers with an array of policy changes to get to grips with. Some of you have unfortunately missed out on Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) funding following the sudden closure of the scheme a few weeks back. More details on the mechanics
Good news for farmers across Norfolk: the government has announced that Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) grants will be back this spring. The FETF is a great opportunity to invest in new kit to improve productivity, manage slurry better, or boost animal health and welfare. On 25 February, Environment
Over the past few months, the Norfolk FWAG team have worked closely with Norfolk County Council (NCC), contributing to the creation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Norfolk and Suffolk. This has involved direct consultation, introductions to farmers, and sharing communications. Please see an update below from the
Butterflies and moths are indicators of a healthy ecosystem; diverse and abundant populations are typically associated with habitats rich in floral diversity, which are also host to a plethora of other invertebrates. Healthy populations of invertebrates are vital for pollination of crops and natural pest management. Moths and butterflies are
It goes without saying the closure of the Sustainable Funding Incentive (SFI) scheme to new applicants came as a shock. For more information about the current state of play, please read our special e-bulletin sent on the 12th March. So, what now? Yes, the closure of SFI is a significant blow,
In July, I finished a year-long placement with Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (NFWAG) as a part of my Environmental Land Management course at Harper Adams University. Part of the reason I decided to study at Harper Adams is because they ensure that every student has the opportunity to
Farming is currently undergoing the biggest transformation of recent years. The Norfolk FWAG advisory team are on hand to support farms to improve environmental and financial resilience. One of the largest challenges facing farming is the loss of BPS. A more complex framework of government support for farming means that
Restoring Norfolk’s Grasslands: Norfolk FWAG and Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Green Hay Project Norfolk’s natural landscapes have long been valued for their biodiversity, but contemporary farming practices and habitat degradation have put many of these ecosystems at risk. To fight this, novel ways are being used to maintain and improve local
A First for Norfolk In October 2024, Norfolk FWAG held the first Norfolk Landscapes Conference and Exhibition as we welcomed over 400 delegates from across the agriculture and environmental sectors to better understand how we can make farming and nature work together. With fantastic support from partners including Norfolk County
Should Norfolk farmers and landowners consider agroforestry? Yes, and there are ample reasons why. Within this article, we will explore what agroforestry is and the varying agroforestry advantages that are achieved through this sustainable farming practice. Considering Norfolk FWAG’s mission of supporting farmers and landowners as they take the steps to futureproof
The 2024 Royal Norfolk Show is officially in the books. However, we’re still celebrating as Bea White, Norfolk FWAG Farm Environment Assistant, has won the Bishop of Norwich’s Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year award. Presented by the Duke of Edinburgh at this year’s Royal Norfolk show, there is
Planting trees on your land is a valuable way to provide enhancement to the local environment, and build resilience for years to come. Trees have multiple benefits; including providing homes for wildlife, creating mosaic habitats for plants and animals, catching and storing carbon, and acting to help flood resilience. In
On Wednesday 5th June, Norfolk FWAG were fortunate enough to host their latest summer farm walk at Hildebrand Farm in Beeston St. Lawrence. We were joined by over 40 passionate farmers and wildlife lovers as we heard from various interesting speakers about how this farm had embraced and implemented conservation measures and
