The FarmED Study Tour: From Gloucestershire to Groundswell

Learn more about agroecology and regenerative agriculture in the field. Join us for a unique study tour that includes visits to leading regenerative farms and two inspiring days at the Groundswell festival in Hertfordshire.

This 3-day study tour is a unique opportunity to expand your network, get on-farm, experience the leading regenerative farming event of the year and share knowledge with peers. It should be fun too!

With help from The GREAT Project we’re able to subsidise the cost of this event.  Tickets cost from £45 - £95 including VAT.

We'll first visit farmer and agronomist, Ed Horton (Poulton Fields Farm, Cirencester), who is running a mixed hybrid farming system, removing artificial inputs and growing niche crops. Learn about his integrated livestock operation, joint venture sheep flock and his take on regenerative agriculture.

After a delicious lunch together, we’ll travel to meet Sam Phillips (Macaroni Farm, Eastleach) for a walk and talk about their agroecological ventures in arable, organic livestock and conservation. See the pioneering mobile dairy and herbal ley system.

Following our day of farm visits and knowledge sharing, we’ll all head to Groundswell, your accommodation (various options available) and a social at the Earthworm Bar. The first night at the festival is not to be missed!

Over the course of the next 2-days at Groundswell, you are free to choose your sessions, connect with others and explore the site. If you’ve never been to the festival before, you’ll be impressed and inspired by the range of speakers, case studies, exhibitors  and demonstrations.  It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the world of regenerative farming and thinking.

On Wednesday evening we will host an informal study tour gathering and debrief in The Discussion Tent where you’ll be able to grab yourself a free drink, share your festival stories and connect with a wider group (including friends of FarmED, Cotswolds Seeds, and our GREAT New Farmers and Emergent Generation networks). We hope to invite a special guest or two, too.

Participants are free to head home on day 2 at a time that suits.  Travel alone or ideally join in our study group car share.

The price of your ticket includes…

• A unique chance to learn and connect with peers
• Two pre-Groundswell farm walks and talks (Tuesday 27th June)
• Refreshments and lunch (Tuesday 27th June)
• Entry to Groundswell for the duration of the festival (Wednesday 28th June & Thursday 29th June). Usual price £120+VAT.
• Free drinks at our study tour gathering (Wednesday 28th June)
• A chance to car share and save on travel costs

Do you farm, study or work in Gloucestershire?

The GREAT Project is putting Gloucestershire at the heart of the transition to regenerative agriculture. GREAT stands for Gloucestershire Regenerative Environment and Agriculture Transition.

As part of the GREAT project we can offer significant financial support to existing and aspiring farmers, growers, land managers, advisers, young farmers and students who work, study or live in Gloucestershire and want to join in this study tour.

Farm, study or work in Gloucestershire - join us for just £45

• Extra subsidised study tour place worth over £250
• Heavily discounted ticket to Groundswell saving £94
• Travel allowance for drivers who are willing to car share (£50 for each participant you can drive to and from the study-tour)
• Be part of the GREAT community in Gloucestershire

Travel Arrangements

• Transport will not be provided
• We will facilitate car sharing amongst ticket holders

Accommodation Arrangements

• Accommodation will not be provided
• Once you have booked your study tour ticket please arrange your own accommodation (you can camp, glamp or book a hotel see here for options). Book a camping ticket directly with Groundswell here. We advise booking sooner rather than later.

Who is this for?

This event is ideal for farmers, growers, advisers, land managers, young farmers and students.  We are aiming for a group of 35 enthusiastic participants from across the farming and food sector.

We don’t often get together as peers and we know that time exploring, learning and sharing our knowledge and opportunities amongst one another is invaluable. Whether you are practising or interested in agroecology and regenerative agriculture we’d love you to join us.

Groundswell - The Regenerative Agriculture Festival, Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire

A two-day festival for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems. You can find out more about the festival here.

Ed Horton - Poulton Fields Farm 

See how Ed manages his mixed farming operation; 3500ha across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire. 

You’ll hear about their suckler herd of 180 pedigree Beef Shorthorns and their joint venture sheep flock of 2500 ewes.  Ed will show us around his arable enterprise (a rotation involving over 14 different crops) in what he calls their ‘Hybrid’ system - a lower input, considered approach to growing arable crops somewhere between conventional and organic, that benefits the soil, water quality, biodiversity and gross margins. You’ll witness livestock integration and learn why grazing cereal crops and companion cropping is key.

Sam Phillips - Macaroni Farm 

Sam is a pioneering organic farmer producing organic food working with nature. Regenerative farming methods are used to build soil health and restore the land.

Hear about his high environmental standards and how their livestock is reared extensively, on herb, legume and clover rich pastures. See Macaroni’s arable operation which primarily grows wheat for milling and barley for malting. Discuss the role of legumes and  green manures, and the new and pioneering Cotswold Mobile Dairy.  We’ll also learn more about the Higher Level Stewardship scheme and the patchwork of different habitats across the farm.

Draft Agenda

Tuesday 27th June

10.00 - Welcome & Arrival Breakfast / Pastries - Poulton Fields Farm

10.30 - Welcome to the study tour from FarmED

10.45 - Welcome from Ed Horton

11.00 - Farm Tour

13.00 - Lunch

13.45 - Travel to Macaroni Farm

14.15 - Welcome from Sam Phillips

14.45 - Farm Tour

16.45 - Tea/Coffee/Cake

17.00 - Travel to Groundswell

19.00 - Arrive Groundswell (pitch tents or check into alternative accommodation)

20.00 - Meet in the Earthworm Bar (if you fancy it)

Wednesday 28th June

9.00 - Enjoy the Groundswell Festival as you please

19.00 - Study tour drinks gathering and debrief in The Discussion Tent

Thursday 29th June

9.00 - Enjoy the Groundswell Festival as you please

17.00 - Depart (or leave earlier if required)

How to Book

You are advised to book quickly as space is limited.

If you live, study or work in Gloucestershire, please select the GREAT ticket option below. You will be asked for a few eligibility details including evidence of your involvement in regenerative agriculture and your potential impact in Gloucestershire.

The FarmED Bursary

If cost is a barrier to you attending this event, then please do ask us for extra financial support. The FarmED Bursary offers help to those that will benefit most.