Somerset Council and the Quantock Hills National Landscape are forming a partnership to create a flagship demonstration farm named New Stowey Farm.

On the border of Nether Stowey, at the eastern end of the Quantock Hills National Landscape, New Stowey Farm sits on a 45-hectare property.

Previously being let to tenants, the farm will continue to be operational, utilising regenerative agriculture techniques.

The main objective of the partnership is to foster nature-rich farmland through habitat creation and rejuvenation, carbon sequestration and climate actions and boost agricultural understanding whilst offering learning, training and volunteering opportunities.

The National Landscape team will co-operate with stakeholders such as graziers, community groups, and environmental experts to showcase the farm's potential to offer numerous agricultural, environmental, climate, and community advantages.

Over the next few months, those who visit the site will notice several changes.

The barn will be refurbished, grazing livestock reintroduced, and the public right of way network throughout the farm will be enhanced.

Future objectives include the establishment of a community orchard, the planting of in-field trees, the improvement of woodland health, and assessment of stream modifications to restore natural hydrological processes.

Iain Porter, Quantock Hills National Landscape manager said: "National Landscapes Partnerships have committed to restore nature, increase climate resilience through working with farmers and land managers.

"New Stowey Farm presents huge opportunities to engage our communities to develop and showcase the opportunities agriculture has to deliver on many public benefits."

Likewise, Mark Baker, Quantock Hills National Landscape projects manager said: "It has never been more important to understand how farming can sustain livelihoods whilst responding to the climate and ecological emergencies.

"We’re eager to preserve and promote the economic and cultural value of New Stowey as a working farm and explore how livestock can promote biodiversity and resilience to a changing climate.

"This will contribute to the National Landscape’s nature recovery plans across the greater Quantock Hills area.

"Most importantly we aim to involve local communities with this work.

"Look out for further details."

Dixie Darch, lead member for environment and climate change, Somerset Council, and vice-chairperson Quantock Hills National Landscape Partnership said: "I am so excited about this opportunity to showcase what can be done through regenerative farming, working with nature alongside food production.

"This will be a learning project for all of us as we witness how the land at New Stowey Farm responds to a new kind of management and stewardship.

"This is a great example of what can be achieved through the partnership of Somerset Council and the Quantock Hills National Landscape team."