MP Simon Hoare learns about nature-friendly farming at Bere Marsh Farm in Dorset

We were delighted to welcome MP Simon Hoare back to Bere Marsh Farm in Dorset, where he praised the charity for our plans to “restore nature and increase biodiversity”.

Mr Hoare told CRT staff and volunteers that we all need to play a part in this “collective endeavour”.

We have now urged Mr Hoare, who is the Conservative MP for North Dorset, to tackle some of the challenges facing the rural economy.

Mr Hoare previously visited Bere Marsh Farm two years ago and was able to see a Mountain Ash (Rowan Tree) he planted as well as enjoying a tour of the farm and meeting hard-working volunteers.

Farm Manager Elaine Spencer-White with MP Simon Hoare

CRT volunteers with MP Simon Hoare

He said: "It was fantastic to see the tree (Mountain Ash) I planted thriving.

“It is so encouraging to see the energy and commitment in the CRT Volunteers, how they are working hard to restore nature, increase biodiversity and providing real examples of not only how it can be done but that it can be done. We can all play our part in this collective endeavour."

MP Simon Hoare speaks to volunteers at Bere Marsh Farm

Bere Marsh Farm manager Elaine Spencer-White speaks to MP Simon Hoare about rural issues.

Elaine Spencer-White, farm manager at Bere Marsh, said she asked Mr Hoare some open questions about support for farmers in the future.

"I discussed the need for food security and the balance between nature recovery and sustainably produced food. Mr Hoare was very supportive of our plans here at Bere Marsh Farm and appreciates how small-scale food production for farm gate sales adds value to the local economy. He wished us well with our plans for a market garden at Bere Marsh Farm."

Hannah Bosence, volunteer manager at Bere Marsh Farm, said it was good for Mr Hoare to meet with CRT volunteers, who do so much work on the farm and help CRT staff to improve wildlife habitats by carrying out conservation projects.

She said: "MP Simon Hoare chatted with the BMF volunteers and was very complimentary of their work. It's wonderful to see their hard work acknowledged as we couldn't do it without them.”

How you can help

Our farmers can’t do it without you. If you want to help us protect local wildlife and help farmers continue to farm in a nature-friendly way, you can support the CRT in any number of ways, from joining as a CRT Friend to volunteering on one of our farms and attending our events. You can also sign-up to our monthly newsletter 'CRT News' for regular updates from our farms, straight to your inbox.

Published: October 2024

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