The Prince of Wales has visited Lower Blakemere Farm in Hereford to learn more about how the multigenerational farm has refined regenerative farming practices and farm diversification as part of its journey to net zero.
Lower Blakemere Farm is one of the Duchy of Cornwall’s seven Focus Farms, an initiative designed to share knowledge and experiences of the transition to greener farming practices. The 630-acre Hereford based farm was established in the early 1980s as a specialist seed grower with a herd of South Devon cattle.
The farm has evolved over time and the family have embraced regenerative farming, with a focus on restoring soil health, boosting biodiversity, and using farming practices that are sustainable for the long term. Such approaches are at the heart of the Duchy of Cornwall’s efforts to reach its target of becoming net zero across the estate by the end of 2032.
Tenant farmers Phil and Heather Gorringe, with their son Monty, have also diversified the farm business including repurposing the old grain store, creating an event space for local community use and launching a successful composting business.
Upon arrival, The Prince saw a brand-new grain store and a variety of regenerative farming equipment, including seeing a large seed drill in operation. His Royal Highness accompanied the farming family on a farm walk to see their composting projects.
As well as being a hub for regenerative farming, Lower Blakemere is also part of the Upper Wye Valley Ridge to River project, led by the Duchy of Cornwall and Moccas Estate. His Royal Highness met with Ridge to River steering group members to discuss progress of the project.
The Ridge to River project is a landmark, landscape-scale nature recovery programme which unites 16 local farms in a collaborative effort to achieve a resilient landscape, where a mosaic of woodlands, parkland, meres, farmland and floodplains provide food, boost biodiversity and protect water whilst contributing to climate mitigation and social value throughout the Wye Valley.
Image: The Prince of Wales with Phil Gorringe, Credit: Duchy of Cornwall