Challenges farmers and nature are facing
Across the country, farmers are grappling with increasingly unpredictable and volatile weather, which makes it difficult to plan, grow crops or raise livestock. At the same time, many are keenly aware that their land has become less rich in nature than it once was. There are fewer insects in the soil, fewer birds in the air, and fewer natural features that once helped farms prosper.
Urgent shift to nature-centred farming methods needed
This shift in farming practices wasn’t a choice, but the result of years of advice that focused solely on maximising yields. For decades, farmers were told to prioritise output and rely on chemicals, while nature was seen as an obstacle. Hedgerows were grubbed out, trees felled and wetlands drained to make way for larger fields and more intensive production and practices. But this approach has come at a steep environmental cost, and continuing down this path puts the future of farming at risk. To protect both the land and the livelihoods of farmers, we urgently need a shift to nature-centered farming methods.
This means recognising that conventional, intensive farming systems not only harm the environment, but also jeopardise the long-term viability of farm businesses. Over-reliance on artificial inputs degrades soil and pollutes water and air, weakening the land’s resilience and its ability to store water - exactly what farmers need to protect their crops and livelihoods during both heavy rains and dry spells.
- ‘Our nature-friendly farming approach - using cover crops, grazing, reducing tilling and building up organic matter over the years - has made a real difference by boosting our resilience. Even with surface cracking because of the drought, we still have moisture deeper down. While others around us are really struggling and crops are failing, ours are still holding up.’ (Tom Edmondson, NFFN farmer)
- ‘Farmers are on the front line of the climate and nature crises. Their decisions shape the health of our soils, rivers, wildlife, and food systems. Nature-friendly farming isn’t just good for nature; it’s a proven, practical way to build stronger, more resilient farm businesses.’ (Martin Lines, CEO, NFFN)
Farming benefits from biodiversity
- Allows farmers to reduce their reliance on pesticides and herbicides, replacing them with beneficial and natural predators.
View the Farmer story here - Rotational grazing gives pastures long rest periods, preventing soil compaction while supporting wildflowers, insects and birds.
View the Farmer story here - By cutting back on inputs like fossil fuels, fertilisers and animal feed, farmers can lower their environmental impact while also saving money - a welcome relief after years of rising costs.
View the Farmer story here
Using land for multiple purposes to create extra income streams
When we recognise that farming every inch of land for crops or livestock isn’t always the best long-term approach, and that nature plays a crucial role on farms, new opportunities arise to do more with farmland. Enterprise stacking - using land for multiple purposes - can boost environmental benefits that support the farm, and create extra income streams.
One powerful approach is agroforestry...where trees help build a resilient landscape that supports livestock through increasingly unpredictable weather, offering shade and shelter, and helping to prevent heat stress as temperatures rise.. Trees and shrubs with medicinal properties can also reduce the need for wormers, benefitting both livestock and soil health by supporting dung beetles.
View the Farmer story here
Upland farms can play a vital role in holding water... helping to protect communities downstream from flooding, while still providing grazing land for pasture-fed animals and supporting species-rich habitats. Techniques like "re-wiggling" streams and installing leaky dams slow the flow of water, reducing the impact of storms and violent deluges that are becoming increasingly common. These natural approaches not only mitigate flood risk but also enhance biodiversity and soil health. Renewable energy, such as solar panels, can significantly reduce farm bills while contributing to wider emissions reduction efforts. View the Farmer story here.
Growing a wider range of crops... can open up new markets and build farm resilience. Niche grains, legumes, herbal leys and heritage varieties all offer opportunities to tap into changing consumer tastes. Adding value through on-farm processing or direct sales, and exploring potential premiums for sustainable or local produce, can further strengthen farm income.
View the Farmer story here.
Making this vision the norm can open up new opportunities for farmers to prosper... both environmentally and economically. By embracing nature-friendly farming practices, farms can not only contribute to a healthier environment but also drive rural prosperity and ensure that high-quality food is available to all.
As we reflect on this year’s Nature Friendly Farming Week (#NFFWeek2025 - 19-25 May) and the theme ‘More than growing food’, we’re reminded of the broader role farms play in sustaining both nature and communities.
By restoring the balance between farming and nature, we pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future for farms and the communities that depend on them.
How to get support and help with nature-friendly farming?
- Get in touch with your local Natural England Catchment Sensitive Farming Adviser
- You can find a wide range of resources about nature-friendly farming, including practical guides to agroecological practices, case studies and farmer blogs, on the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) website.
Martin Lines, CEO, Nature Friendly Farming Network
Peter Craven, Head of Agriculture, Natural England