FREE workshops on a range of topics are being offered to farmers in the area of Nidderdale.

Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is hosting the series of workshops for farmers in AONBs and National Parks, with leading farming consultant, Niels Corfield.

Suitable for farmers, graziers, farm hands, land agents, ecologists and farm advisers, there will be four free evening workshops and four full-day workshops, which include site visits to a local farm.

Matt Trevelyan, Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer at the AONB, said: “Due to the positive response from farmers and land managers to our previous workshops with Neils Corfield, we have engaged Niels to run these lively, challenging and highly informative courses, which offer an excellent opportunity to get up-to-the minute advice on a range of topics.”

With a focus on productivity and profit, subjects will range from soil and plant health to adaptive grazing and whole farm planning, as well as providing tips on how to cut down on synthetic nitrogen use and how to create a weather-proof farm.

Niels Corfield has been working to deliver truly sustainable food and farming systems for more than 15 years. He is a researcher, adviser, educator, designer and tree nurseryman, and formally trained in Holistic Management and Regenerative Agriculture Design.

Matt added: “Niels’ mission is to create regenerative landscapes and farms in the UK and Europe, with a focus on agroecological systems that are low maintenance, yet productive. With the many challenges farmers face today, his expertise and practical approach is invaluable.”

The series, which began on February 8, continues on February 10, with a day-long workshop from 10am to 3pm on Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture for Farmers at Pateley Bridge and Bewerley Memorial Hall.

Then on February 28 at Darley Memorial Hall from 6-8.30pm, there is an evening workshop on The Weatherproof Farm, which looks at how farms can become more resilient to climate events and the continued volatile weather.

On March 3, a day-long workshop from 10am to 3pm at Darley Memorial Hall specialises in Regenerative Farming: Grassland and Grazing, looking at adaptive pasture measurement to save time and grow better grass.

Further workshops will be hosted on May 16 and 19, November 6 and 8.

All events are free, with food and drink provided. For more details and to register for one of the free farm workshops, visit nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/events or email matthew.trevelyan@harrogate.gov.uk to secure a place; spaces are limited.