North Chilterns Farmer Cluster
The North Chilterns Farmer Cluster, set up in 2022, brings together 20 farmers across 4,500 hectares of the north Chilterns.
To date, the cluster has received over £756,000 in funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. It also receives support from Affinity Water through their Water in the Landscape and Farm Cluster funds, including funding for a dedicated Landowner and Farming Engagement Advisor based at the Chilterns National Landscape.
This year (2025/26), we are:
- planting and restoring another 5.7 km of hedging,
- planting wildflower and birdseed margins,
- planting 250 trees,
- restoring five farm ponds,
- providing 9 tonnes of supplementary winter bird seed,
- organising five workshops and events,
- carrying out winter bird surveys for a third year on 19 farms,
- organising Farm Environment Management plans to be carried out over six farms.
Cluster achievements 2022-2024
Since the cluster was established in 2022, we have:
- planted 10.7km of hedging,
- installed 17km of protective fencing,
- coppiced 3.3km and gapped up 2.5km of hedgerow,
- organised nine workshops and attended Groundswell,
- distributed 19 tonnes of winter bird seed,
- carried out winter bird surveys on 18 farms for two years,
- provided ecological advice to eight farms,
- provided Farm Carbon Toolkit advice to 18 farms.
Farms in the North Chilterns Farmer Cluster covering 4,500 hectares in the north Chilterns
Deer Management Hub
Deer are part of what makes the Chilterns special – but growing populations are quietly reshaping the countryside, affecting wildlife, farmland and the deer themselves. Our new hub is here to help you understand this complex issue.
Farming in Protected Landscapes
By supporting the farmers, land managers and people who live and work in the National Landscape, we can help protect this exceptional place and support local communities.
Don’t feed the red kites
Find out why it is important to watch these beautiful birds from a distance.
