We are delighted to thank The Exmoor Trust for their generous donation towards the purchase of a new laptop for our Network Manager. Reliable technology plays a crucial role within our organisation to ensure we stay connected and support you by bringing the latest information to our farming community through our regular updates, training and knowledge exchange and transfer events. Up-to-date IT infrastructure is essential for the work we do, and this donation directly contributes to keeping our operations efficient and responsive.

The Exmoor Trust’s support aligns closely with their three fold mission:
• To conserve and enhance for the public benefit the area known as Greater Exmoor;
• To encourage the public to appreciate and respect all aspects of its historical, physical and cultural environment; and
• To further such charitable purposes for the benefit of Exmoor as the Trustees shall determine.

The Exmoor Trust’s continued commitment to supporting local communities is truly appreciated, and we are delighted to have their support.

For further information about The Exmoor Trust visit All About The Exmoor Trust.

As we take stock following the very successful completion and launch of the Exmoor Farms book we wanted to thank the Exmoor Society for their positive collaboration in bringing it to frustration. The project was very much a joint effort drawing on the varying skills and resources of the 2 organisations. 

Two of the core purposes of the Society are to better understand and support the role of upland farmers and farming in maintaining the national park. To this end it makes a sense for the network and the farming community to continue to engage with the Society and it's members particularly now when it is critical for the wider community to understand our role and value.

If you would like to find out more about the work of the Exmoor Society or become a member you can visit their website at www.exmoorsociety.com

Ian May (Chairman) and Katherine Williams (Network Manager) were delighted to attend a reception hosted by The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) at Buckingham Palace earlier this week, following an invitation from their Royal Founding Patron, His Majesty The King. This special occasion marked The Royal Countryside Fund’s fifteen anniversary, supporting organisations like us through their Farm Support Group Initiative, bringing together representatives from 32 farm support groups from across the UK, supported by the Fund, to recognise the crucial role our groups play in supporting farming families. 

Last year, RCF awarded £250,000 in grants, which enabled farm support groups like us to benefit from core funding. From the range of services as the go to hub for the farming community. From training opportunities to peer support group facilitation, the funding from RCF has helped improve a wide range of skill sets, supporting local farming businesses.

This event brought us together not only to celebrate the achievements of these farm support groups and to recognise their invaluable contributions to their local communities during these particularly challenging times, but RCF’s commitment to standing by us all and Britain’s farmers, whose need for their vital help and guidance is as important as ever. Together, through mutual support and collaboration, RCF are doing all they can to ensure the future of our farming families on whose back rests the economic vitality and beauty of rural Britain.

We recently said a fond farewell to Rebecca Kelland, who has been an invaluable part of the network team carrying out a work placement opportunity over the past six months. Since joining us in September 2024, Rebecca has contributed to a variety of projects and tasks, bringing enthusiasm and gained valuable experience whilst shadowing the team.

Working closely with Katherine she played a key role in some of the administration tasks of Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor, exhibition preparation and ensuring books reached readers from Northumberland to Germany, Kent to Wales. Katherine and Beth will especially miss hearing all about the YFC adventures and reminiscing about their own YFC days nearly 20 years ago! It has been wonderful to see Rebecca’s confidence grow throughout her placement, and we are grateful for the time she spent with us.

We wish her all the best in her next chapter!

We were delighted to be joined by 29 individuals last night to enjoy our final Farmer Supper at The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross. It was wonderful to see how the room was full of conversation and a true sense of community. We felt it was very special in bringing like minded people together, especially in these challenging times. Overall we have welcomed 78 individuals over three suppers from Blackmoor Gate to Hawkridge to Wheddon Cross. Thankyou to Shirley Julian for providing the most delicious steak pie and a dessert cooked to perfection. If you missed these suppers this time, please keep an eye on our newsletter as we hope to make in a future event!

A massive ''Thankyou'' from the team.

Over 130 people from the Exmoor farming community enjoyed a traditional breakfast at Winsford Village Hall last week. A grand total of £1,446 was raised and will be split between EHFN, FCN and RABI for their ongoing work supporting farming families. A huge thank you to Shirley Julian, and her kitchen helpers who worked so very hard to provide us with the most delicious, cooked breakfast. Thank you to all the other helpers for their assistance in making the event such a success. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown for this event and a massive thank you to Mole Valley Farmers for their contribution.

 Please save the date for next year: Sunday 22nd February 2026

We are delighted arrange two Farmer suppers across Exmoor over the forthcoming weeks. Our first supper will be held on Thursday 30th January at Blackmoor Gate Market. The Second will be held on Wednesday 5th February at Hawkridge village hall. We hope you will be able to join us at one of these evenings.

For further information click here.

Booking is essential for catering and dietary requirements at admin@ehfn.org.uk

The Auction Market is more than just the livestock auction playing a vital role within our farming community. The ring was turned into a Winter Wonderland preparing everyone for the Christmas spirit. Over 300 people from Exmoor’s farming community joined the Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) and The Farming Community Network (FCN) for their second Carol Service in the Auction ring at Cutcombe Market on Monday 16th December. The service warmly welcome Bishop Michael Bealsey from Bath and Wells Diocese and was conducted by Rev. David Weir who oversees 8 churches located within the Exmoor Benefice. The service brought together people of all ages across Exmoor and we were delighted to welcome school children from Cutcombe and Exford First Schools to sing in the ring’’. Readings were read by local farmers and representatives from Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions and the Exmoor Rural Health Hub. The evening finished with a complimentary beef stew arranged by Heywood’s Cafe and festive delights served in poultry room.

Katherine Williams, Network Manager said ‘’ At a time when the farming community faces significant challenges, the support shown during this event was very heartwarming. It is difficult to put into words, but it was truly humbling and something I feel privileged to be part of.

Rev. David Weir said ‘The cattle market is a very significant place for people here on Exmoor. Singing in the Ring is a lovely opportunity to gather and celebrate all the life that gathers around the market and the mutual support available, from the Hill Farm Network, the Farming Community Network, the chaplains, the local church, the Health Hub, the Café. This was a celebration of all of that and it was great to have our Bishop here to share in the celebration.’

Charmain Dascombe, Regional Support Officer, Farming Community Network said ‘’ It was a fantastic evening bringing members of the farming community from Exmoor and beyond together, it also served as a reminder during these challenging times that ‘we are not alone’. I felt very honoured to represent FCN and our amazing volunteers as we continue to support the farming community”.

A grand total of £1101.58 was raised from donations and a prize draw which will be split between FCN and Exmoor Benefice. Thank you to the local businesses, Exmoor Trust - also known as Exmoor Charitable Trust and the volunteers who gave up their time preparing and on the evening.

Save the date for next years’ service: Monday 15th December 2025.

On behalf of the Directors and team at the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Thank you for your continued support throughout 2024. It has been an exciting and busy year for the Network, marking our 10th Anniversary and the launch of Exmoor Farms A Year on the Moor this autumn. As we look ahead to 2025, the Network remains committed to supporting you through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With significant changes, challenging conditions, and as policy evolves, farmers’ resilience and adaptability will remain crucial to the future of the sector. 

And singing in the ring and our Christmas hours.

 Thanks

Following yesterday’s budget announcement Ward and Co have kindly provided the following update. We will arrange an open meeting later in November to discuss in further detail.

Find out more here.

Do you want to better understand the policy changes that will affect the future of your farm business?

Farm for the Future is our FREE business and environment programme which will help you tackle any challenges you face and grasp the opportunities on offer linked to the agricultural transition.

Our locally delivered programme will take a whole farm and family approach to help you:

• Understand more about current policy changes and how they will affect your business.

• Provide tools and advice to help you make changes to your business.

• Understand how you can practically improve the management of your farmed environment.

From October 2024 to January 2025. We will deliver a flexible and engaging programme of workshops, online learning, signposting, 1:1 support, peer networking, and tailored support with local trusted advisors within the Greater Exmoor area.

This welcome meeting will start at 7pm. To register your interest please contact us at the office or sign up here.

Representatives from the Exmoor Hill Farming Network attended the first Royal Garden Party of the year at Buckingham Palace last week.

Katherine Williams, Network Manager and Ian May, Chairman were among 8,000 guests invited to spend the afternoon in the magnificent gardens of Buckingham Palace.

They were hosted by HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla accompanied by the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Garden Parties were established to allow the Royal Family to meet a broad range of people from all walks of life, who have made a positive impact in their community and celebrating their achievements.

The Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) celebrates its 10^th Anniversary this year and has become a respected go-to hub for farming information, training and networking on Exmoor and its surrounding areas. The Network is regarded as one of the UK’s most successful and active farmer networks and has received national recognition. 

Katherine has been involved since its inception as Network Officer and in recent years Network Manager. She has seen the Network evolve which now supports 450 farming businesses located in the Greater Exmoor area.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Royal Countryside Fund said, “The Royal Countryside Fund was delighted to nominate representatives from the Exmoor Hill Farming Network to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in recognition of the terrific work they do in their community to support local farmers. We are proud to be a longstanding supporter of EHFN and to work with them in providing free support to small family farms through our Farm for the Future programme.”

In addition to the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, The Royal Countryside Fund invited representatives from other Farm Support Groups, including The Farming Life Centre and Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services, as well as rural community organisations, North Norfolk Community Transport and Hour Community.