Statement on the sale of Turnastone Court Farm, Herefordshire

The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) has made the difficult decision to sell Turnastone Court Farm in Vowchurch, Herefordshire, as part of an ongoing business strategy review. The CRT intends to consolidate its extensive property portfolio, reduce operational costs and reinvest in its core nature friendly farms. 

Like many similar organisations, the CRT is facing an increasingly challenging economic environment and each CRT farm has been evaluated on the basis of specific criteria. Turnastone Court Farm has been identified as the most appropriate site for the first phase of the property portfolio consolidation. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the farm tenants who have helped us to care for Turnastone, Gareth and Madeline Boaz and the Fraser family, the staff who manage Turnastone Lodge Air BnB, and all the volunteers who have worked at the farm. Their commitment and hard work have played an important role in maintaining the farm and supporting the CRT’s objectives at Turnastone. 
 
The CRT purchased Turnastone Court Farm in 2003, when it was at risk of intensive farming, with an aim to protect and restore wildlife habitats and demonstrate the benefits of nature-friendly farming. Both things we have succeeded in achieving. 

Since then, environmental legislation has been strengthened, while financial incentives for sustainable farming have increased. There is also growing interest from farmers wishing to adopt more regenerative, nature-positive approaches, and as a result, the immediate risk that prompted our intervention has been significantly reduced. 

While this decision has not been taken lightly, it will help to ensure the CRT remains financially resilient and continues to deliver meaningful farming and conservation projects across our other farms. 

Our commitment to promoting nature-friendly farming and supporting rural communities remains unchanged, and this decision will enable us to focus resources where they can have the greatest long-term impact. 

Susan Lake, Interim Chair of the Board, said: “This was a very difficult decision for the Board of Trustees, but the review of our properties is hugely important to how we operate as a charity, both now and in the future. The sale of Turnastone will allow us to continue our vital work at our other nature-friendly farms.” 

Q&A 
 
Q: Is the CRT selling all of Turnastone Court Farm?  

A: Yes. This includes Rose Cottage and Turnastone Lodge as well as the farmland and farm buildings. 

Q: When will the assets be sold?  

A: We are currently working on the full details of the sale. Once completed, we envisage that the farm will be on the market by spring this year.  

Q: Why is the CRT selling Turnastone Court Farm. 

A: We have taken the difficult decision to sell Turnastone Court Farm. This is being driven by a challenging economic environment for charities, with rising operational costs and increasing pressure on funding. Each CRT farm has different legal and financial implications. Following careful review, Turnastone Court Farm was identified as the most appropriate site for this initial phase of consolidation, helping to reduce costs and strengthen CRT’s long-term financial resilience. 

Q: Is this part of a wider change for the CRT? 

A: This sale is part of a broader consolidation programme designed to reduce operational costs and ensure we can continue delivering our nature-friendly farming and conservation work across the rest of our properties. Our commitment to regenerative agriculture, wildlife recovery and rural communities remains unchanged. 

Q: Are you still taking bookings for Turnstone Lodge? 

A: We are currently taking bookings up to 12 months away and will continue to keep in contact with those who have made bookings. Bookings already made will continue as normal, but we will keep in touch should anything change. 

Q: Does this mean the CRT is stepping back from its conservation objectives?

A: Absolutely not. The CRT remains fully committed to conservation and to supporting nature-friendly farming. This decision is about focusing resources where they can have the greatest long-term impact, ensuring the charity remains financially resilient while continuing to deliver meaningful projects across our farms.