The May issue of NFU Countryside Magazine features an interview with Courteenhall Estate’s Managing Partner Johnny Wake.

As part of a climate friendly farming special, the magazine’s deputy editor talked to Johnny about how he is embracing the sustainability challenges on the 2,000 acre estate.

They discussed the numerous climate friendly farming measures taking place on the estate in order to achieve the goal of net carbon zero by 2030.

These measures include: 

• Moving from a mid into a higher tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme, aimed at those making the biggest environmental improvements in their local area.
• Increasing areas of the farm left fallow for a period to help with rotation pollination.
• Introducing nitrogen-fixing crops to improve soil structure.
• Restoring ponds and hedgerows.
• Being one of three trial farms involved in a woodland carbon code for hedgerows project.
• Reintroducing traditional Hereford cattle to the estate.
• Taking part in the Big Farmland Bird Count each year.
• Investing in renewable energy.
• Working with Ecometric to get an accurate carbon audit of the estate.

Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire has been in the Wake family for over 350 years.

Johnny said: “My aim is to secure a sustainable future now and for generations to come. With all the elements we have in place, I would hope by 2030, if not sooner, that we will be carbon neutral.”

You can read the full interview here.