Manor Farm, Alton, Hants GU34 3BD
Manor Farm Hampshire - UK Glamping, B&B, Business Units

Sheep

Manor Farm Hampshire - UK Glamping, B&B, Business UnitsNewsSheep
21 Jul 2026
0 Comments By Anna Brock Animal Welfare, Baby Animals, Biodiversity, Cattle, Climate Change, CO2 Emissions, Communication, Countryside, Education, Farming, Farming News, Food, General, Glamping, Habitat, Luxury Camping, Luxury Camping in Hampshire, Schools, Sheep, Summer, Topical Conversation, Woodland

The Characters of the Farm

If you’ve ever watched Clarkson’s Farm, you’ll know that while farming is at the heart of the programme, its real success lies in the wonderful cast of characters. Each person brings different skills, different personalities and, quite often, a healthy dose of humour. It reminds us that a farm is much more than fields, tractors and livestock—it’s a community.

Our own farm is no different.

At its heart is the farmer, whose life revolves around the changing seasons, the weather forecast and the endless list of jobs that somehow never gets any shorter. Farming demands resilience, optimism and the ability to adapt, because no two days are ever quite the same.

Working alongside the farmer is our shepherd. Lambing time brings long days and even longer nights, but throughout the year there is always a flock to care for. It takes patience, experience and a genuine understanding of animals to keep everything running smoothly.

Every farm also relies on someone who can turn their hand to almost anything. Our maintenance man is one of those indispensable people. Whether it’s repairing a gate, fixing machinery, mending a water pipe or tackling one of the countless unexpected jobs that appear each day, he somehow keeps the wheels turning. He also leads much of our conservation work, caring for hedgerows, woodland, ponds and wildlife habitats so that nature flourishes alongside farming.

The fields are shared with plenty of other familiar characters too. Sheep and cattle quietly graze, working dogs are always eager for their next task, swallows return each spring, barn owls hunt at dusk and countless insects, birds and small mammals all play their part in the rich ecosystem of the farm. Even the earthworms beneath our feet are busy improving the soil.

Of course, farms today are no longer just places where food is produced.

At weekends, one of our buildings comes alive with the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee. The coffee roasters welcome local people who come not only for an excellent cup of coffee but also for conversation, friendship and a chance to slow down for an hour or two. It has become a real meeting place for the local community.

Elsewhere on the farm, talented caterers prepare food for weddings, celebrations and special events, helping people create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our resident pizza maker crafts his dough on the farm before hosting popular pizza evenings, bringing together families, neighbours and friends over simple food shared outdoors.

Visitors looking for a break from busy lives can escape to our off-grid glamping site. Families swap screens for campfires, enjoy peaceful evenings beneath dark skies and rediscover the pleasure of spending time together in the countryside. Our ‘hospitality maker’ at the heart of the campsite, she is the one predicting any set backs and ensuring our guests have a great time, a full time job in itself and one that requires resilience, passion and energy, lucky for us we have the best person.

Innovation also has its home here. One of the businesses based on the farm designs and manufactures machinery that helps farmers improve soil health. Looking after the soil means looking after the future, ensuring that the land remains productive for generations to come.  Another of our innovative tenants designs and manufactures top notch dog beds out of British wool and materials, they sell all over the world.

When you stop and look around, it’s remarkable how many different people make up the life of a modern farm. Farmers, shepherds, conservationists, engineers, coffee roasters, caterers, pizza makers, manufacturers, visitors and families all bring their own skills and passions. They may all have different jobs, but together they create something far greater than any one business could achieve on its own.

Perhaps that is the biggest change in farming over recent years. Farms are no longer simply places of production. They are places where people meet, where businesses grow, where ideas are shared, where visitors reconnect with the countryside and where communities are built.

The fields and livestock may still be at the heart of the farm, but it is the people—the many different characters who work here, visit here and spend time here—who give it its real character. They remind us that a successful farm isn’t just measured by its harvests, but by the community it helps to create.

25 Jun 2026
0 Comments By Anna Brock Animal Welfare, Baby Animals, Biodiversity, Cattle, Climate Change, CO2 Emissions, Communication, Countryside, Education, Farming, Farming News, Food, General, Glamping, Habitat, Luxury Camping, Luxury Camping in Hampshire, Schools, Sheep, Summer, Topical Conversation, Woodland

Should We Pay More For Food That Nourishes Us?

With food prices rising, many of us are thinking more carefully about what we buy. But alongside the concern about cost, another question quietly emerges: shouldn’t food that is better for our health be valued more highly?

At first glance, it seems obvious. Food that nourishes our bodies—fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and responsibly produced meat—supports our wellbeing, strengthens our immune systems, and contributes to long-term health. In contrast, highly processed foods, often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, can contribute to illness when consumed in excess.

And yet, in the shops, the opposite can often appear true. Less nutritious food is frequently cheaper, more accessible, and more heavily promoted.

A Question of Value

This raises an important moral and social question: what exactly are we paying for when we buy food?

At present, food prices reflect production efficiency, convenience, and demand—not nourishment. A product that is cheap to manufacture, has a long shelf life, and can be produced in large quantities will usually cost less, regardless of its impact on our health.

In fact, cheap processed food is often particularly attractive to supermarkets. Because it has a long shelf life, it reduces waste, is easier to store and transport, and can sit on shelves for extended periods without loss. This makes it more predictable and profitable for retailers compared to fresh food, which is more perishable and carries a higher risk of being thrown away.

But if we step back, we might ask whether this reflects our true values.

If something contributes positively to our health, reduces future strain on healthcare systems, and helps people live fuller, longer lives, should it not be considered more valuable—even if it costs more to produce?

The True Cost of Cheap Food

Cheap food is not always truly “cheap.” Often, the real costs are simply hidden.

When diets are poor, society bears the burden through increased healthcare needs and reduced quality of life. When food is produced intensively at low cost, there may also be environmental consequences that are not reflected in the price we pay at the checkout.

In this sense, paying more for nutritious food could be seen not as a burden, but as an investment—one that supports both personal health and the common good.

But What About Fairness?

At the same time, we must be careful. It is easy to say that healthier food should cost more—but this raises a serious concern: what happens to those who are already struggling?

If nutritious food becomes a luxury, then inequality deepens. Those with fewer resources may be pushed toward cheaper, less healthy options, not by choice, but by necessity.

So the issue is not simply about paying more—it is about creating a system where nourishing food is both valued and accessible.

A Balanced View

Perhaps the real question is not whether individuals should simply pay more, but whether our society should do more to ensure that nutritious food is properly valued.

This could include:

  • Supporting local and sustainable farming
  • Reducing waste across the food system
  • Encouraging fair pricing that reflects true costs
  • Ensuring access to healthy food for all, especially the most vulnerable

A Reflection for All of Us

This invites us to think not only about our own shopping habits, but about how we care for one another.

Do we see food simply as a commodity, or as something that sustains life and dignity?

Paying more for nourishing food may, in some cases, reflect its true worth. But equally important is our shared responsibility to ensure that such food is not out of reach for anyone.

Conclusion

Yes—perhaps food that nourishes us should be valued more highly. But that value must be reflected not only in price, but in how we organise our society, support one another, and care for the most vulnerable.

Because in the end, good food is not just about cost—it is about care

27 Mar 2026
0 Comments By Anna Brock Animal Welfare, Baby Animals, Biodiversity, Cattle, Climate Change, CO2 Emissions, Communication, Countryside, Education, Farming, Farming News, Food, General, Glamping, Habitat, Luxury Camping, Luxury Camping in Hampshire, Schools, Sheep, Spring, Topical Conversation, Woodland

Farming Through Hard Times: A Lesson from History

At the recent NFU conference, the theme was “Stronger Together”, reflecting the turmoil facing today’s agricultural industry. Rising costs, falling margins, changing policies and unpredictable weather have left many farmers feeling under pressure. While this moment feels new to us, history shows that agriculture has faced deep crises before — and that cooperation has often been the response.

My own family story connects directly to one of those periods. My great-grandfather came to this parish in 1886, right in the middle of what became known as the Great Agricultural Depression. British farming at that time was under enormous strain. Cheap grain was arriving in large quantities from North America, made possible by new railways and steamships. Wheat prices collapsed, rents fell, and many farms that had been profitable for generations suddenly struggled to survive.

Across the country, arable land was abandoned or turned into grass, and rural labourers left for the towns in search of work. Villages changed, populations declined, and farming families had to adapt quickly or fail. When my great-grandfather arrived here, he would have found an industry in difficulty, with uncertainty about prices, employment and the future.

It was in this atmosphere of hardship and insecurity that farmers began to organise more effectively. In 1908, the National Farmers’ Union was founded to give farmers a united voice at a time when many felt powerless in the face of falling prices and rising competition from abroad. The idea was simple but powerful: farmers would be stronger if they spoke together rather than individually.

The depression of the late nineteenth century lasted for nearly twenty years and permanently reshaped British agriculture. The countryside we recognise today — with its emphasis on livestock and mixed farming rather than vast areas of wheat — is in part a legacy of that painful adjustment. Institutions such as the NFU grew out of that experience, helping to shape agricultural policy and defend farmers’ interests through later crises.

A second major downturn followed the First World War. During the war, farmers had been encouraged to increase production, supported by government price guarantees. When peace came, those guarantees were withdrawn almost overnight. Prices fell sharply while costs remained high, and farming entered a slump before the rest of the economy. By the time the wider Great Depression arrived in the early 1930s, agriculture was already struggling.

Again, collective action mattered. Governments introduced protectionist measures, marketing boards and subsidies, and farming organisations worked to stabilise prices and supplies. These policies eventually laid the foundations for the post-war farming system that prioritised food security and steady production.

Today’s challenges are different in detail but familiar in shape. Farmers now face rising input costs, volatile markets, changing support systems, environmental pressures and the growing impact of climate change. Once again, the rules of the game are shifting at the same time as margins are tightening.

History suggests that such moments do not simply pass; they reshape farming. Just as earlier depressions led to new systems, new policies and new institutions, today’s pressures may push agriculture towards environmental stewardship, new technologies and different business models.

There is also a deeper lesson. Farming has never come through hard times alone. Past crises strengthened unions, cooperatives and local networks. The message “stronger together” is not a modern invention — it is how farming has survived every previous upheaval.

For those of us who do not farm, this history is a reminder that agriculture is not just an industry but part of the life of our villages and parishes. When farming suffers, rural communities feel it too. Supporting farming is about sustaining the countryside, the food system and the shared landscape we all depend on.

When my great-grandfather arrived here in 1886, farming was in depression. Yet families stayed, adapted and carried on. Out of those hard years came organisations like the NFU and the farming systems that shaped the twentieth century. As we face another period of uncertainty, the past reminds us that agriculture has weathered great storms before — and that it does so best when farmers and communities stand together.

06 Nov 2025
0 Comments By Anna Brock Animal Welfare, Autumn, Baby Animals, Biodiversity, Cattle, Climate Change, CO2 Emissions, Communication, Countryside, Education, Farming, Farming News, Food, General, Glamping, Habitat, Luxury Camping, Luxury Camping in Hampshire, Schools, Sheep, Topical Conversation, Woodland

When Communication Breaks Down: The Human Side of Farm Diversification

Across the countryside, many farms are adapting to survive. Declining farmgate prices, rising input costs, and uncertainty around agricultural policy have forced farmers to seek new ways to sustain their livelihoods. From holiday lets and cafés to renewable energy and events, diversification has become a lifeline for rural businesses.

But while diversification can breathe new life into farms, it can also strain the delicate relationship between farmers and their neighbours. In some communities, trust has broken down—not because of the projects themselves, but because of how they were introduced and communicated.

A Breakdown of Trust

In many rural areas, long-standing relationships between farmers and locals are built on mutual respect and familiarity. However, when a diversification plan is launched without early consultation—perhaps a campsite, a wedding venue, or a new access road—locals can feel excluded, surprised, or even threatened by the changes.

What might seem like a reasonable business move to a farmer can appear, from the village’s perspective, as something imposed rather than shared. Rumours spread quickly, concerns go unaddressed, and before long, suspicion replaces support.

In such situations, even well-intentioned projects can become symbols of division rather than progress.

The Farmer’s Dilemma

It’s important to remember that most farmers who diversify do so under pressure. Farming is a vocation, but also a business. Margins are tight, and climate, policy, and markets are unpredictable. Many farmers feel they have little choice but to innovate—and fast.

However, when livelihoods are at stake, communication sometimes takes a back seat. The focus is on securing planning permission or funding, not community engagement. Yet skipping that step often proves costly later, when opposition arises and trust erodes.

Rebuilding Bridges

Rebuilding community trust takes time and openness. Listening sessions, farm open days, or public meetings can help locals understand why diversification is necessary and how it can benefit everyone.

Transparency about intentions—whether it’s environmental commitments, noise management, or local job creation—shows respect for the people who share the landscape. Simple steps, like inviting feedback early or offering clear updates, can transform suspicion into collaboration.

Farmers and communities ultimately want the same thing: a thriving countryside that supports both livelihoods and quality of life.

Looking Ahead

Diversification is not just an economic strategy—it’s a social one. Success depends not only on business plans, but on empathy and dialogue. When farmers and rural communities work together, diversification can become a source of shared pride rather than division.

At its best, it’s not about changing the countryside—it’s about keeping it alive, in a way that everyone can feel part of.

03 Oct 2025
0 Comments By Anna Brock Animal Welfare, Autumn, Baby Animals, Biodiversity, Cattle, Climate Change, CO2 Emissions, Communication, Countryside, Education, Farming, Farming News, Food, General, Glamping, Habitat, Luxury Camping, Luxury Camping in Hampshire, Schools, Sheep, Topical Conversation, Woodland

Why Supporting UK Farmers Matters for All of Us.

When we shop for food, it can be tempting to go for what is cheapest and most convenient. But behind every pint of milk, loaf of bread, or bag of carrots is the work of farmers. In the UK, they face increasing pressures — from rising costs and unpredictable weather to competition with imported produce.

This raises an important question: should we be looking after UK farmers? The answer is yes — because the food they produce isn’t just about filling our plates, it’s about safeguarding the nation’s health.

Nutritious food underpins our wellbeing. Diets rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat contribute to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, while also helping children to grow and learn well. If we neglect home-grown produce and instead rely heavily on imported or processed food, the long-term costs to the NHS and society will only increase.

Supporting British farmers also means supporting high standards. UK farmers are bound by strict rules on food safety, animal welfare, and environmental care — standards not always matched abroad. When we choose local produce, we are choosing food we can trust.

There are economic benefits too. Farming sustains rural communities, provides jobs, and keeps money circulating in the local economy. A resilient farming sector also strengthens food security — reducing our dependence on global supply chains that can be disrupted by conflict, climate change, or pandemics.

The conclusion is clear: when farmers thrive, we all thrive. By backing UK agriculture — whether by buying local produce, supporting farmers’ markets, or recognising the value of paying a fair price for quality food — we are investing not just in farming, but in healthier lives, stronger communities, and a more secure future.

08 Oct 2023
0 Comments By Anna Brock Animal Welfare, Autumn, Baby Animals, Biodiversity, Cattle, Climate Change, CO2 Emissions, Communication, Countryside, Education, Farming, Farming News, Food, General, Glamping, Habitat, Luxury Camping, Luxury Camping in Hampshire, Schools, Sheep, Topical Conversation

Farming Jargon

We have been inviting guests on to the farm for over 17yrs now. While it is always a pleasure to spread the word on what we do and how we do it, it occurred to me recently while giving a talk to the WI that farming language is changing. Here are a few of the more commonly used terms and a brief explanation.

Agroecology – Ecology is the study of relationships between plants,animals,and the environment. Agroecology applies ecological concepts to farming, an increasingly important area, whether that’s mitigating climate change by reducing emissions or working with wildlife.

Agroforestry – A practice combining trees and farming either with grazing livestock (silvo pasture) or crops(silvoarable). Benefits include protection from the elements, increased soil carbon levels and greater biodiversity.

Biodiversity – Different kinds of life found in one place- animals, plants, fungi and those not visible to the naked eye, such as microorganisms. They work together in ecosystems, providing clean air and water, food, shelter and medicines.

Carbon Capture – This is high on the agenda, as adopting practices such as planting cover crops, minimum tillage or agroforestry means soils can absorb greenhouse gases rather than emit them. Soil holds three times as much carbon as the atmosphere.

Cover Crops – Non-cash crops, sometimes grazed by livestock, such as mustards, clovers or oats, grown to protect otherwise bare soil from erosion and add organic matter in between regular crop production.

Crop rotations – Planting different crops sequentially on the same plot over a number of years, then repeating to improve soil health and interrupt pests and diseases. In mixed rotations livestock graze, enriching soil with their manure, as is the case at Manor Farm where we have a 7yr rotation.

Fertiliser – Conventional farmers rely on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser to grow crops and grass, but it’s made using fossil fuel, and prices rose 78% between March 2019-23. Natural sources include legumes and farmyard manure, which replenishes soils with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Herbal Leys – Temporary grasslands of legumes, herbs and grasses, farmed as part of a mixed or arable rotation. They improve soil structure, build organic matter and have a wider variety of species, providing food for pollinators.

Intercropping – Growing different crops in close proximity-such as wheat with beans or linseed with oats-for beneficial interactions. This can increase yields by reducing weeds, and plants complement each other because they use available nutrients at different times.

Living mulches – Low-lying plants such as clover grow in a cash crop as a ‘living mulch’, remaining after harvest. They fix nitrogen, build soil fertility and allow livestock to graze straightaway.

Minimum or no-till – This means cultivating soil no deeper than 15cm and not ploughing. It has gained popularity in recent years to improve soil health, although it can mean increased reliance on herbicides to control weeds.

Mob grazing – A growing trend, this is short duration, high density grazing with a longer than usual grass recovery period. Farmers might move livestock onto fresh pasture once a day and leave the grass to recover for 40 to 100 days, improving soil structure. Rule of thumb is the length of grass above the ground is the same as the root length below the ground.

Regenerative agriculture – This growing trend is about producing food while improving the environment. Practices include minimum disturbance of soil and incorporating diversity, whether that’s through rotations, livestock or intercropping.

Soil microbiology – A quarter of all species on Earth live in soils and it’s increasingly recognised life below ground requires the same level of attention as biodiversity above it. Regenerative, organic and agroecological farming methods all focus on soil microbiology and health.

The great news is these terms are common practice amongst farms now, so on your walks take a look, because you now know what you are looking at.