NON SUCH AS THIS: a magical place

 It started with the conversation of let’s get some land and ‘do rewilding’. The conversation developed and we asked if we all did that who would produce the food? The answer is why can’t we do both. Nonsuch Farm was born.

 Since WW2 farming has become more intensive, mechanised, and reliant on chemicals as a way of increasing yields. Fields have got ever bigger, hedges have been scrubbed out, trees felled and ponds filled in. Wildlife and peoples’ relationship with their food have diminished. Nonsuch farm, created from two intensively farmed arable fields in East Suffolk is an attempt to address this.

 Nonsuch Farm was conceived to try to provide some of the solutions: to grow food in a short loop system, producing great organic produce for local people; create sustainable jobs and volunteering opportunities for people in the countryside and to farm hand in hand with nature, leaving space for nature to thrive. It is hoped to eventually create a carbon negative business and to demonstrate to others that farming in this way can work for them, the local community and wildlife.

 For this to be achieved the old field plans are being reinstated allowing for crop rotation and the sowing of cover crops to be established. Hedges are being replanted and experiments with natural hedge regeneration from scrumping berries and seeds. An area of agroforestry will run north to south on the flatter land. Alongside all this livestock will be introduced to graze and help fertilize the soil. Ponds have been dug, creating habitat for amphibians and drinking water for animals.

 Engagement with the local community is at the heart of what we are doing. Establishment of a permissive path will allow local people to access the countryside safely while enjoying nature. In drawing them in we hope that they will again start to feel a connection to the food produced and care for and enjoy their environment.

 The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have brought home to us all that we need to become more resilient in many aspects of our daily lives. We can’t just leave it to others to solve the problems we face. Nonsuch Farm wants to create a magical environment where we return to people, wildlife and plants to living side by side in harmony.