Higher Farm, UK

When I first arrived at Higher Farm, the land was largely uniform improved grassland — ecologically thin, with degraded soil structure and little diversity. A simplified landscape, but one with extraordinary latent potential.

Over two and a half years I led the farm's full transformation — not from a distance, but on the ground every day. I designed the systems, built the team, managed the operation, and was present for every stage of implementation. This was total immersion in what it means to bring a piece of land back to life.

The physical transformation was substantial:

• 2,000+ trees established through syntropic agroforestry, woodland planting, silvopasture, and forest garden systems

• 12 acres of syntropic agroforestry integrated with biointensive market garden production

• A 14-acre silvopasture system

• A 3.5-acre forest garden and managed woodland

• Irrigation and water distribution systems

• Commercial packing and propagation infrastructure — designed and built on site

Alongside the design and build, I led the commercial operation from scratch — establishing a veg box delivery business, running stalls at two weekly markets, and helping design and build the on-site farm shop. The farm became a place people came to not just for food but for connection — regular farm tours drew engaged, returning audiences, and I ran courses in natural farming alongside wider education programming.

The ecological results were measurable and significant. Plant species on site increased by 650 within the first year — a number that cascades upward through insect, bird, and wider ecological health in ways that continue to compound. Biodiversity Net Gain improved by 10%, independently assessed.

What I am proudest of is the overall transformation — guiding the shift from simplified grassland to a productive, ecologically functioning farm that feeds people, restores life to the soil, and demonstrates what land can become.