How an Essex estate’s water plan is helping to secure its future

摘要

An ecological masterplan based around water is behind bold changes being made at Spains Hall Estate.Amove away from conventional arable and food production is under way at Spains Hall Estate.The combination of agroforestry, woodland and wetlands being created across 500ha will provide ecosystem services and natural water management at scale, affecting the surrounding landscape.Estate owner Archie Ruggles-Brise says it was clear some years ago that things had to change, as more than half of the estate's income was based on farm rents and traditional farming practices, while Brexit was on the horizon along with climate and biodiversity crises.