Announcing the very first South Downs Food and Nature Festival
May 9, 2025
An immersive day celebrating the intersection of food, farming and the natural world is taking place next month.
On Saturday, 7 June Westerlands, near Graffham, will host the very first South Downs Food and Nature Festival.
The 800-acre estate is one of a number of South Downs landowners that are pioneering regenerative farming – a holistic approach to agriculture that looks to regenerate depleted soils and bring back biodiversity.
The unique event will bring together visionaries, farmers, writers, and wild food experts to explore bold ideas and practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
As well as a host of talks from leading speakers, there will be immersive nature experiences and farm tours, lunch with a view, Q&As, and a sumptuous “feast by woodfire” farm-to-fork dinner to round off the day.
Oliver Hancock, Chief Earth Officer at Westerlands, said: “Climate and nature friendly farming is at the heart of everything we do.
“Over the last few years, we have been shifting purposefully towards a regenerative farming model, balanced with a strong desire to reverse biodiversity loss. Positive results are already being observed through the year, especially with increased numbers of birds of different species, often a good barometer for overall farm health.
“Our vision is that by 2045, Westerlands will be widely recognised as an exceptional example of a West Sussex pasture-based, regenerative farming system that has played a lead role in the restoration and healing of both nature and people.”
The festival takes place from 10am to 10pm. Buy tickets at www.westerlands.com/events/south-downs-food-nature-fest