Regeneratve Farming Network

The Glenkens has a rich and diverse farming heritage.

A patchwork of small family owned or long term tenanted farms sits alongside larger estates and holdings. Our mix of uplands and lower lying land create opportunities for different soil distribution and habitat types.

Our uplands are good for grazing livestock, but also offer potential for agroforestry and increased native broadleaf tree cover, such as birches, rowans, hawthorns, willows and hazels. When done properly, this tree mix is compatible with grazing cattle, providing shelter, fodder and nutrients.

Unfortunately, many upland areas are being planted up for commercial forestry, removing them from farming and changing it’s ecology forever. This is also having a disproportionate affect on land prices.

The majority of our local farming is sheep and beef cattle. Vegetables used to be produced in fields around Dalry, and perhaps could be again, there’s certainly a demand for it.

The majority of farmers in the Glenkens are good custodians of their land. Grazing ruminants, when managed in a mindful and regenerative system can offer huge benefits in terms of soil health, carbon sequestration, water management and more.

It would be good to see an increase in hedgerows, native copses, and other habitats restored and maintained, keeping a balance with nature.

The Regenerative Farming Network for South West Scotland already counts some local Glenkens farmers amongst it’s members. This peer to peer knowledge exchange group organises farm walks, talks and webinars to support transitions to more sustainable nature based farming practices. New members are always welcome - more info can be found at www.dgsustainablefoodpartnership.org/regenerative-farming-network.

Abi Mordin