2024 AGM and Countryside Day

We are excited to be announcing this year’s AGM, which will coincide with our Countryside Day, a celebration of the social, ecological, and economic value Regenerative farming brings to the countryside.

This year we are having a particular focus on the value of hedgerows, with speakers and activities around the farm to reflect this.

Countryside Day is a celebration of what Regenerative farming brings to the countryside, with a particular focus on the value of hedgerows.

We will be showcasing the value of hedgerows through speakers, activities and a selection of stall holders.

Here at CPRE Avon and Bristol, we understand the importance of farming for food security, nature’s recovery and in contributing to a sustainable rural economy. That’s why our venue is Fernhill Farm – an incredible Regenerative farm located in the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

Programme:

The day will kick off at 11:00 with light refreshments and a welcome from the Chair and Director of CPRE Avon and Bristol.

We are very excited to present a series of great speakers:

Robert Wolton, our keynote speaker, is an ecological consultant specialising in the management of farmland and associated habitats for wildlife. He was a hedgerow specialist for Natural England, and the founder of the Devon Hedge Group.

Sasha Georgiades, the founder of Hedgeways, specialises in education, training and rural crafts. Sasha will be talking about Hedgeway’s holistic approach to land management, and how they foster a culture that embraces the diversity of practitioners involved with traditional rural skills.

Lucy Stockton, a Nature Recovery Ranger from the Mendip Hills National Landscape team will be giving a short talk on hedgerows and their importance to the local species in the Mendip Hills.

Representatives from Babbasa, a Bristol-based company working to increase employment opportunities for young ethnically diverse individuals, will be discussing the opportunities and barriers for young people from diverse backgrounds in entering the nature and land-based sector.

A complimentary light lunch will be served at 13:00 for those attending the full day.

In the afternoon there will be a tour of Fernhill Farm with owners Andy Wear and Jennifer Hunter, joined by Colin Clutterbuck, National Supreme Champion Hedgelayer of 2024, who has laid the Farm’s hedges for many years in the traditional style.

AGM

The AGM element will be immediately after lunch at 13:45 – 14:15 while non-members partake in a tour of the Farm’s woollen enterprise, Fernhill Fibre, and enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration by owner Andy Wear, Champion sheep shearer.

If you wish to only attend the AGM, please indicate that in your ticket. Members only attending the AGM are welcome to join to farm tour afterward if they wish.

Papers for the meeting will be made available here by August 18th.