NRM experts visit Sapperton Wilder Farm to facilitate knowledge exchange on regenerative agriculture

A team of NRM experts visited Sapperton Wilder Farm to learn more about its groundbreaking regenerative agriculture project, deepen collaboration, and facilitate knowledge exchange. The visit was greatly appreciated by the organisations, who both support regenerative farming practices and restoring land health for sustainable food production. The goal was not only to better understand the farm’s innovative approaches, but also to strengthen relationships within the industry and educate NRM’s internal lab staff about the critical importance of regenerative agriculture.

‘By connecting our lab-based team members with real-world farming projects like this, we can enhance their understanding of why their work matters,’ said Sophie Cath, Senior Business Development Manager at NRM. ‘The team at Sapperton Wilder were keen to meet the people behind our analysis, understand the lab processes, and ensure that our technicians, analysts and chemists are familiar with the practical applications of their tests. This engagement is essential in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among our team members, helping them to see where their work fits into the bigger picture.’

Located in the Cotswolds, Sapperton Wilder Farm is engaged in an ambitious land restoration project covering 400 acres of marginal farmland. The team aims to reinvigorate the local ecosystem by enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and integrating regenerative agricultural techniques. Founded by Dr Jonathan Milner, a Cambridge biotech entrepreneur inspired by his work with Sir David Attenborough, the project’s long-term goal is to monitor ecological and socioeconomic returns over the next 30 years.

To help achieve this, Sapperton Wilder has employed NRM to conduct various soil analyses. These services are helping the farm benchmark soil health and monitor progress for year-on-year improvement. Sapperton Wilder is preparing for another round of sampling this autumn, ensuring that NRM remains at the forefront of this long-term project.

‘It’s been very interesting to see how Sapperton Wilder Farm’s results have changed, highlighting the true power of regenerative practices,’ said Sajjad Awan, Soil & Crop Nutrition Agronomist at NRM. ‘Over the past two years, the farm observed a 40% increase in CO₂ respiration across several blocks of land. This is a strong indicator of heightened microbial activity, essential for nutrient cycling and plant productivity.

‘Additionally, organic and active carbon levels, which are beneficial for soil microbes and therefore increased biological activity, were measured at average levels for arable fields. This is an improvement from a few years ago, as the farm has left fields fallow for two years to help foster healthier soil and improved crop yields. Regenerative practices are expected to increase these levels over time.’

NRM’s team members based in the lab saw this trip as an exciting opportunity to see the direct impact of their work and facilitate knowledge exchange. By understanding the importance of precision in analysis, team members can ensure that the results they deliver directly impact farming practices and environmental restoration.

‘I found it very interesting to see the other side of what we do in the lab every day,’ said Will Alexander, General Analytical Team Leader at NRM. ‘It helped me and my colleagues get a deeper understanding of the physical scale and the overall timeline of the Farm’s operation. The team at Sapperton Wilder is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and it was great to put a face to the sample. It’s all too easy to forget that our results affect peoples’ lives and how important it is to respect that. It would definitely be beneficial to return in a year or two to see the progress they have made.’

‘We are proud to be part of this monumental sustainability project,’ continued Sophie. ‘As regenerative agriculture becomes increasingly crucial in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation, knowledge exchange and partnerships like these are important to lead the way in adopting and encouraging sustainable farming practices within the industry.’

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