Landscape-Scale Projects
DEFRA Test & Trials
Click here to see this project:
Field Names Project with Nottingham University
Members of the Upper Onny Farmers Group worked with the University of Nottingham, the National Trust and Shropshire Hills National Landscape to explore the history of the land where they live and farm. By looking at both historic and modern field names, the group gained valuable insights into how the land has been understood and used over time. Field names often reflect detailed local knowledge, passed down through generations, and reveal how farmers see and manage their land.
Group Trips
In 2022, the group visited Cumbria to learn from others working in similar landscapes and farming systems. During the visit, they met dairy farmer James Robinson, Ullswater CIC Director Danny Teasdale, and farmer and writer James Rebanks. Hearing their personal stories — the challenges they had faced and how they had adapted and overcome them — proved both inspiring and thought-provoking. The visit became a pivotal moment for the group, sparking new ideas and renewed confidence. Many who attended went on to implement changes on their own farms, applying lessons around resilience, environmental management and community engagement.