We are a UK charity, founded on the principles of a cohesive future for nature and humans. We saw the decline of wildlife and the damage that intensive farming had on the environment, and chose to be the force of change we wanted to see. 

Our holistic approach to the biodiversity crisis includes:

Sustainable farming

At CRT we support and encourage our tenant farmers to use sustainable farming methods wherever possible, because we know these practices positively benefit the environment and ultimately, humankind. We are sympathetic landlords and understand that our tenant farmers need to generate a profit. Therefore, we provide support, resources and volunteers to assist the conservation activities. For example, volunteers on all the properties have planted hedgerows, resulting in wildlife corridors and increased biodiversity. 

Monitoring our success

Many species of wildlife are declining and the latest State of Nature report estimate that 15% are at threat of extinction in the UK. The CRT are bucking the trend and has an abundance of wildlife on its properties. We know this because of our wonderful team of monitoring staff and volunteers who provide data that we evaluate and disseminate. For example, on Lark Rise Farm, the number of Yellowhammers is 25 times higher now than they were 20 years ago. 

Reconnecting with the countryside

Urbanisation has distanced large numbers of people from the countryside, creating a barrier to learning. CRT wants to restore fundamental farming and wildlife knowledge to everyone, with a particular focus on igniting curiosity and wonder amongst children. This is achieved through the delivery of our Mosaic school programmes.

Natural heritage restoration

Native species and rare breeds are vitally important to CRT. Most of our farmers have traditional or rare breed livestock on their properties. We focus on saving some critically endangered species via breeding programmes and recovery initiatives. Our orchards always have traditional varieties, link to their county. 

At the CRT we engage, educate and inspire all those who love the countryside to learn more about the value of wildlife, where our food comes from, and how our natural environment supports our health and wellbeing.

Governance

After years of tremendous growth, the CRT has a bright future. We are led by a dedicated board of Trustees, spearheaded by chair of the board Nicholas Watts MBE.

Meet the trustees, chair, and co-founders here.

Strategy 

The CRT has undergone a significant amount of change over the past year. Some highlights of our conservation and community work include:

• The launch of Mosaic, our education programme that connects young people with the farming and wildlife mosaic
• The unveiling of Babers Farm as the Gordon Beningfield Memorial Farm to honour the CRT’s co-founder, the late, great artist Gordon Beningfield who was inspired by the ‘Dorset Dream’ of small-scale, nature-friendly farming
• Opening the doors to Bere Marsh Farm, a beautiful property in the heart of Dorset that will help the CRT to reach a wider audience and connect us with the local community
• Fundraising to restore and rebuild the derelict barn owl barn at Bere Marsh, which successfully saw the resident owls raise two chicks during the summer of 2021
• Fundraising to plant a new hybrid species of elm tree at Awnells Farm that is resistant to diseases

The CRT will bring in a new multiyear strategy in 2022, to help grow the Trust’s network of friends, increase its reach and interaction with key audiences, and strengthen the conservation and engagement activities across our all of our properties. We will share this strategy directly with our supporters.

Supporters 

We are grateful to be supported by thousands of passionate CRT friends and volunteers who are united in their love of the countryside, its landscapes, farming and wildlife.

Find out more about supporting the CRT by becoming a friend, or by volunteering on one of our farms. We are also honoured to be supported by legacy donations, and more information about giving is available here.

How we manage our farms 

The CRT supports its tenant farmers to run profitable and productive farms that also increase wildlife numbers and diversity. We achieve this by providing support, resources and volunteers to assist with conservation activities across our network.

Monitoring 

The CRT measures flora and fauna across our farms and uses this data to understand more about the impacts of our farming practices or of our land management activities.

Annual report 

The CRT’s annual reports and supporting information is available on the Charity Commission’s website.

Find out more about the CRT:

CRT History    CRT Trustees    Meet the Team