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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

FWAG SouthWest

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Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group SouthWest is a registered charity dedicated to promoting wildlife, environment and sustainable farming practices.

FWAG was founded in the 1960’s by a group of forward thinking farmers who saw that the environment was an important part of successful farming businesses. Since then we have provided impartial, professional advice to UK agriculture, and have a membership of over 2,000 farmers who share our vision and support our charitable aims. FWAG SouthWest has 15 advisers across the region. Our team includes specialists who can provide independent, reliable information, practical advice, guidance and training in order to bring both financial and wildlife benefits to your farm.

29/10/2026

The Somerset Otter Award for 2026 has been awarded to the Stratton Farm Partnership. The picturesque Somerset village of Stratton on the Fosse is home to the two neighbouring award winning Duchy of Cornwall tenant farmers, Jeremy Padfield (Church Farm) and Rob Addicott (Manor Farm). The Addicott and Padfield families formed a working partnership 26 years ago strengthening the future of their businesses.

The farms are primarily arable but also have beef and sheep enterprises. In addition to this, the partnership runs an arable contracting business within an eight mile radius of the farm. Both families have a longstanding passion for the environment, holding Countryside stewardship agreements 25 years ago and have since been involved in ELS, HLS and currently have multiple Mid-Tier and SFI agreements in place.

The farms practice min till, they harvest rainwater, they are using regenerative practises to further reduce reliance on fertilisers and chemicals. Over 20 acres of trees and 2,000 metres of new hedges have been planted in recent years and an ancient orchard has also been restored. They have groups that monitor birds, bats and botany on the farm. They share a passionate for education, welcoming children to Leaf Open Farm Sunday on the farm, plus much more!

We very much look forward to the farm walk next summer, lots to see and be inspired by. Congratulations to Stratton Farms!

19/10/2026

Join us at Columbjohn Farm, Rewe as author and journalist Graham Harvey talks about his work as scriptwriter and agricultural editor of The Archers for over 30 years.

Graham will be sharing his own adventures in farming, his thoughts on the future for agriculture in the UK and sharing a few extracts from his latest book Underneath The Archers. He will then be joined by FWAG SW CEO Adam Lockyear and our host farmers Jason and Amelia Greenway for a panel discussion and Q&A.

Book your place now, we expect this event to fill up fast! https://fwagsw.org.uk/underneath-the-archers-wednesday-11th-nov-devon/

02/10/2026

Sharing our thoughts on the recent SFI window 2 and what we're doing on behalf of our members and farmers across the region.

23/09/2026

Last week we visited Duchy Home Farm for a fantastic walk around the farm to celebrate their success in winning the Gloucestershire Silver Pintail Award. We were shown the many habitats that have been both created and maintained alongside a very passionate landlord. On a steep bank, brambles and scrub have been allowed to grow up in a patchwork amongst established trees to prove habitat and food for birds. Bee hives can be found on the edges of fields, making the most of flowering species of crops, and hazel coppicing encouraging light onto the woodland floor allowing a variety of flora to flourish.

As an organic farm they look to alternative ways to tackle pests and diseases. No wormer has been used in the cows for two years and they have had success using parasitic wasps to control flies. It is also hoped that the walnut trees planted in grazing fields will act as natural fly repellents.

Some great conversation between guests and host, a really enlightening walk. We are looking forward to another trip back to this farm in 2027, as Duchy Home Farm was announced as winner of the regional Barn Owl Award for this year. Read the full event write up on our website now.

21/09/2026

On the eve of window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive opening, we urge all farmers to consider getting their applications in early.

In addition to the previously allocated budget for this round of funding, Defra have confirmed an additional £50 million will be added to the Window 2 budget to help farmers adapt to the risk of future droughts.

09/09/2026

FWAG South West backs British farming by providing trusted, independent guidance that helps farmers balance productivity with environmental care. From creating wildlife‑rich habitats to improving soil health, we support farmers to look after their fields, hedges and waterways for future generations — keeping British farming rooted in nature.

27/08/2026

FWAG SW: The Whole Story 🎥💚

Our new film is here and it’s something special. Every day, farmers across the South West are doing extraordinary work for wildlife, soil, water and the wider landscape. This film takes you behind the scenes to hear their stories, the challenges they face, the passion they bring and how FWAG SW is behind them at every hurdle, offering support and guidance and celebrating their achievements.

🎥 Watch the full film here (or on youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLxZ6iXkTnQ) to meet the farming community at the heart of everything we do. A huge thank you to all the farmers who took part, your leadership in the field inspires us every single day.

20/08/2026

We’re delighted to announce John Malseed of Frenchbeer Farm near Chagford as the winner of the John Whetman Devon Bronze Otter Award for 2026.

John’s parents moved to the 450 ha organic Duchy of Cornwall farm in 1986, building up a flock of sheep and herd of suckler cows. Turkeys were added to the enterprise mix to aid cash flow and John now rears 8000 birds a year for a loyal local customer base.

“The backbone of Frenchbeer Farm is very much the environmental stewardship schemes” explained John. “Beef from the suckler herd is sold through Farm Wilder and the cows have an important conservation job to do too”. Like many moorland farmers, John is keen to see the return of the curlew and has been working with his landlord to create the right conditions for these moorland birds.

The judges came away impressed by both what John has already achieved and the direction he is taking the farm. We can't wait for the farm walk next summer. A full write up will be online in the coming days.

For more information about any of our awards, look on our website or get in touch!

04/08/2026

We’re proud to announce The Real Food Garden as winners of the 2026 Cornwall Otter Award.

Guided by their mission to “Nourish people and place through truly sustainable food production”, they’ve built a farm where environmental care and commercial success work seamlessly together. Their regenerative, low‑input system thrives without synthetic fertilisers, fungicides or pesticides — instead relying on compost, green manures, diverse rotations, and long‑term soil health and carbon monitoring to continually improve their footprint.

Hedgerows are managed on sensitive rotational cycles, creating blossom, berries and wildlife corridors while supporting food production. The conservation grazing service they provide supports rare species and the management of SSSI’s. Through their veg box scheme and farm shop, they connect customers directly to their values, strengthening relationships and championing truly sustainable food.

The judges noticed how well the growing crops were looking and commended their integration of livestock into the farm’s policy with the use of unsaleable vegetables. They were also impressed by exemplary training of staff and engagement with the public and community. A standout example of regenerative farming done with integrity, purpose and impact. We look forward to the celebration farm walk next summer!

31/07/2026

We're aware of the huge impact that Bluetongue is having on many livestock farmers across the region.

Please reach out for help.

FCN can be contacted 24/7 on 03000 111 999

Address

Hawkridge House, Summerfield Way, Chelston Business Park
Wellington
TA218YA

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441823660684

Website

https://linktr.ee/FWAG

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