Although it feels for many like Spring has only just begun, show season is already upon us. Our farming teams around the UK really look forward to the opportunity to chat to visitors to our stands at various events over the summer. It’s a great chance to share knowledge, talk through ideas and find new opportunities to work together for the benefit of farm wildlife. Here’s a brief round up of where you can find us over the coming months:
Balmoral Show – 15 – 18 May
RSPB NI joined the 'Regenerative Zone' at this year's Balmoral Show, alongside other organisations that are supporting farmers and land managers to make positive changes to support wildlife, become more sustainable and protect the wider environment. This shared space focussed on the benefits of farming with nature and food production in mind, and included representatives from the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), GrowIN, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, Ulster Wildlife and RSPB NI. With a programme of talks and discussions, it was an opportunity to hear from passionate experts about the importance of working together to enhance biodiversity, and to secure the long-term sustainability of farming in Northern Ireland for people and for wildlife.
Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival – 26-27 June, Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire
Now in its eighth year, Groundswell provides a place for farmers and anyone else interested in producing food in a healthy and sustainable way to come together and share knowledge, learn about regenerative agriculture and see it in practice. With a mixture of talks and demonstrations, it’s a great event to attend if you’re keen to learn more about how to protect your soils or share your thoughts with others.
The RSPB will be there too, with a team of experts from various projects and partnerships who will be happy to talk about how ensure that nature is incorporated into a regenerative approach. Come and chat to us on stand PFB4 to:
GO Falkland – 17-18 July, Falkland Estate, Falkland, Fife
GO Falkland launched in 2023 as an outreach event of Groundswell, but has a specific focus on regenerative land use in Scotland. Over the course of two days, there will be lots of opportunities to hear from and talk to others who are utilising regenerative principles to grow food across Scotland, or are supporting others who wish to do so.
The RSPB Scotland team will be at the show to offer advice and information so be sure to look out for them if you're planning to attend.
Royal Welsh Show – 22-25 July, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells
The Royal Welsh Show is an exciting four days of competitions, activities, attractions and displays. RSPB Cymru will be on-hand to talk about nature-friendly farming, peatland restoration and agricultural policy, so if you have questions about the implementation of the Sustainable Farming Scheme and what this means for nature, would like to talk about specific actions you can take for wildlife on your farm or would like to share your own experiences, please do come along to the Countryside Care area and have a chat.