Working Together
We work closely with organisations who bring valuable knowledge and insights to the project.
By spending time with the farmers and land managers, they can provide hands-on advice, share best practices, and help encourage the implementation of sustainable farming methods that enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Building on Existing Grazing Practices
A key element of the Small is Beautiful project focuses on creating a grazing plan that helps both conservation grazing on Wildlife Trust land and regenerative grazing on farms. The project is working with Pasture for Life, experts in regenerative grazing. They will help develop a system where livestock are finished on grass with very little extra feed. This approach will keep the islands’ pastures healthy, improve soil, and support more wildlife.
The grazing plan will be adjusted for different habitats across the islands, including both inhabited and, possibly, the uninhabited islands. It will consider different types of livestock and grazing methods. This includes managing cattle, goats, and ponies – animals key for controlling invasive plants and maintaining habitats like heathlands and grasslands.
The project will bring together local farmers and conservation experts to create a farming system that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. The aim is to develop a grazing system that supports the land, benefits wildlife, and helps farmers while keeping the islands’ natural beauty intact for future generations.
Arable Plant Surveys
Authors of ‘The New Flora on the Isles of Scilly”, Rosemary Parslow and Ian Bennallick will carry out arable plant surveys that will identify and catalogue key arable plant species across the Isles of Scilly, laying the foundation for targeted conservation efforts on local farms.
These surveys will not only help identify species but also offer valuable management recommendations to assist farmers in integrating arable plants into their current farming practices.
This is a crucial part of the project, aiming to conserve native arable plants and boost biodiversity across the islands. By developing a monitoring framework we will be able to track the success of conservation efforts.
In addition to the surveys, Rosemary and Ian will play a key role in advising on seed bank activation methods, providing practical, cost-effective management strategies. They will also be advising Jaclyn and David on how they can train and support local farmers.
Regenerative Growing Guide for Narcissi & Soil Health
Specialists from Terrafarmer have been contracted to develop a Regenerative Growing Guide for Narcissi Cropping & Soil Health on the Isles of Scilly. Their work will assess current practices and provide tailored recommendations to support sustainable flower farming and improve soil health across the islands.
Their research will not only help identify best practices but also offer practical management strategies to assist growers in integrating regenerative techniques into their current cropping systems.
This work is a crucial part of the Small is Beautiful project, aiming to enhance soil biodiversity and improve long-term resilience in narcissi cultivation. By developing a monitoring framework, we will track the impact of regenerative practices and refine recommendations over time.
In addition to fieldwork, Terrafarmer will play a key role in advising on soil health strategies, offering cost-effective solutions to optimise production while maintaining environmental sustainability.