Thank you to everyone who attended our Blue Tongue information evening on Friday afternoon at Blackmoor Gate.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Sophia and the team at Torch Farm Vets for providing an update and answering questions for over 140 members of our farming community. We really appreciate them taking the time to support.

I asked Sophia to share her top three tips:

1. Protect your most valuable animals – vaccination should be considered a minimum level of protection.
2. Don't feel that you are alone – if you are worried, pick up the phone and talk to someone. Don't stew on your concerns by yourself.
3. Speak to your vet – if you have any concerns or simply want to talk something through, please give your vet a call.

Sophia has kindly shared her email address and is happy to be contacted if you have any questions or concerns: sophiaelworthy@torchfarmvets.com

The presentation slides PDF from the evening for your information and reference is downloadable here

Useful links

Bluetongue Virus - Ruminant Health & Welfare

Bluetongue FAQs | AHDB

NADIS -National Animal Disease Information Service

Bluetongue: GB disease control strategy –GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We fully appreciate the additional work, costs and worry that Blue Tongue is bringing to farms across our area. Please remember that you are not alone and support is available . The Farming Community Network offers a 24/7 support line for farming families who may need someone to talk to. You can call 03000 111 999 at any time. Our local Regional Support Officer is Charmain Dascombe charmain.fcn@gmail.com

Our network door is always open. You are very welcome to drop into the office for a coffee and a chat or pick up the phone and give us a call on 07970 795808.

Thinking of you all as we navigate another challenge as a farming community.

The Pilates for Farmers programme launched by the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, with thanks to funding from The Baker Trust and Xmoor Rox Music Festival has been warmly welcomed by the local farming community this spring, with an impressive 20 people signing up for the first class.

Since the launch, attendance has remained strong, with between 12 and 14 participants regularly attending each week, demonstrating the value and appeal of the sessions for those working in agriculture and rural related businesses on Exmoor.

Led by instructor Kim Clarke, the classes have provided farmers with an opportunity to improve strength, flexibility and posture, while also offering valuable time to relax and focus on wellbeing away from the demands of farm life. Participants have spoken positively about the benefits of the sessions, and the course has been extremely well received by those taking part.

Due to the success of the programme, the course is now continuing beyond the initial sessions, ensuring that participants can keep building on the physical and mental health benefits they have already experienced. Importantly, new members are very welcome to join, whether they are complete beginners or have previous experience of Pilates.

The sessions are designed to be accessible and supportive, with exercises adapted to suit all abilities. Instructor Kim Clarke, said: "It's been fantastic to see so many people from the farming community giving Pilates a try and discovering the benefits it can bring, both physically and mentally. The group has created a really positive atmosphere and it's wonderful to see participants returning week after week."

For anyone feeling the physical demands of farming or simply looking for an hour each week to focus on their own wellbeing, the Pilates classes continue to offer a friendly and welcoming environment on Wednesdays evening, The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross 7-8pm. Please contact EHFN for further information 01643 841 455 or admin@ehfn.org.uk.

If you are feeling stressed, anxious, are experiencing ongoing low mood, or are having difficulty sleeping, the NHS can help. TALKWORKS is a free and confidential NHS Talking Therapies service, here to help adults over the age of 18 across Devon (outside Plymouth), improve their mental and physical wellbeing. TALKWORKS therapists and counsellors can work with you, by providing a variety of tools and techniques, to help get you back on track, so that you can feel like yourself once again.

Treatment and support includes:

• One-to-one sessions with a therapist (face-to-face, over the phone or by video call)
• Access to employment support for any employment related difficulties
• Interactive group courses and wellbeing workshops
• Online self-help accessible anytime of the day or night

You do not need a referral from a GP to access TALKWORKS’ services, you can refer yourself onlineor over the phone. Waiting times for appointments are short, with therapy sessions available Monday to Friday (early morning and evening appointments are available to book). For more information on the different treatment options and therapy services, please visit the TALKWORKS website or call 0300 555 3344.

Following the successful award of grant funding from Devon Community Foundation earlier this spring to support mental health for our farming community, we are delighted to announce that our latest funding application to Somerset Community Foundation has also been successful. Over the coming months, this support will enable us to deliver a range of training opportunities and activities focused on promoting positive mental health and wellbeing within farming and agricultural community.

The Community Foundation funding reflects a shared commitment to strengthening rural communities and ensuring that those working in farming have access to practical support, opportunities to meet and share experiences, and resources that promote wellbeing. We are thrilled to have secured this funding.

This autumn, we will be delivering three Mental Health Awareness training courses across our areas. We will also be introducing Pilates for Farmers sessions in North Devon, alongside another Farmers' Supper for men working in farming and agricultural-related services, to be held in Somerset. Our popular Take a Break Coffee Mornings will return later in the autumn, offering a welcome opportunity to come together during those shorter days as the nights begin to draw in.

Katherine Williams, Network Manager said: ‘’We are delighted to be working alongside these highly respected organisations, whose community-focused projects make a real difference to the people and places they serve’’.

Yesterday we celebrated the grand opening of the new Exmoor Rural Health Hub building. This vital facility will significantly improve health and wellbeing services for our farming and rural communities, which the Network is a great supporter of. We are excited to see the Hub evolve and looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for this well respected service. Please make the most of this wonderful resource to look after your health and wellbeing.

Last week, our Women in Farming Group enjoyed a fantastic visit to Exe Valley Farm Shop. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, followed by an interesting talk from Helen May about the history of the farm and the farm shop.

We then headed to the home farm for a tour, where we learnt more about the cattle, potato and arable side of things, joined by Ross and Lilly May.

Before heading home, we enjoyed an ice cream and had the opportunity to browse the farm shop, which was the perfect way to round off a wonderful visit.

A huge thank you to the May family for their warm hospitality and for making us all feel so welcome.

Last week, the Network welcomed over 20 members to an informative session on cyber crime awareness in agriculture and practical steps to protect farm businesses. Representatives from local NFU Mutual offices in Barnstaple, South Molton and Williton attended, alongside Eloise Essif, Business Development Consultant from NFU Mutual Head Office. The session highlighted the growing role of technology in agriculture and the increasing cyber risks that come with it.

Key Takeaways

• Technology can improve efficiency but also introduces new risks.
• Not all cyber incidents are the result of criminal activity, but they can still have serious consequences.
• Regularly review your systems and implement basic cyber security measures as a minimum.
• Do not rely solely on third-party IT providers or service suppliers to support you during a cyber incident.
• Preparation is essential have an offline recovery plan in place, test it regularly, and ensure key contacts and procedures are readily available.
• Review contracts with outsourced service providers to understand your position should they experience a cyber incident.
• Use cyber security measures to reduce risk and consider cyber insurance to help protect your business if security is breached.

One member shared a personal experience of identity theft. Criminals used their stolen personal information to take out three mobile phone contracts on the same day. This led to debt collection letters, demands for outstanding balances from mobile phone providers, and a significant impact on their credit rating. Fortunately, no money was taken directly from their bank account.

It is believed that their name, address and date of birth may have been obtained through a data breach. The member stressed the importance of acting quickly and not ignoring letters or correspondence relating to accounts you do not recognise.

Members were also reminded to check whether their email addresses have been involved in known data breaches using the website Have I Been Pwned: https://haveibeenpwned.com

If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft or cyber crime, report it to the police by calling 101 and seek advice as soon as possible.

More than 110 men from across the farming and agricultural sector within the Greater Exmoor area came together at The Music Room, Woolhanger, on Thursday 7th May 2026 for a special Steak Night organised by the Exmoor Hill Farming Network in partnership with the Elston family.

The event was held as a way to bring the farming community together following the loss of well-known local farmer Robin Elston who died by suicide last December. With support from funding awarded by the Devon Community Foundation towards mental health and wellbeing initiatives, the evening provided an opportunity for men working in farming and agricultural-related businesses to step away from the day-to-day pressures of farm life and gather with other like minded people.

Guests enjoyed a local supplied steak provided by Thornes Butchers, Wiveliscombe, cooked to perfection by local farmers David Dascombe and Simon David, all the trimmings followed and pudding supplied by local caterer Shirley Julian, while taking time to catch up, share experiences and strengthen friendships within the rural community.

The organisers encouraged attendees to bring along a friend or neighbour, particularly those who may not usually attend such events, helping to widen support networks and ensure no one feels isolated. The Exmoor Hill Farming Network and the Elston family hope that this successful event will be the first of many opportunities to bring the farming community together in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Research has shown that just eight minutes of conversation can significantly improve someone’s mood by providing emotional support and connection. Organisers encouraged people to think about giving themselves or someone else eight minutes of their time.

Katherine Williams, Exmoor Hill Farming Network Manager, said: ‘’There’s a real appetite for events like this. Farming can be incredibly demanding and, at times, quite isolating. Events like this create an informal space where people can chat, talk openly and support one another. It’s about strengthening our community and reminding people they’re not on their own We are very grateful to the Devon Community Foundation for their funding with this event, and supports our wider work around mental health and wellbeing in the farming community including Pilates for farmers in North Devon launching this autumn, and mental health training this summer. We ask farmers and those involved in agricultural businesses to register their interest’’.

Since early February, the Exmoor Hill Farming Network has delivered a diverse programme of nature-friendly farming workshops in collaboration with FWAG, Liz Genever, Sally-Anne Spence, and the Exmoor National Park Authority.

To date, more than 85 members have taken part in the workshops. The workshop programme has covered a broad range of practical and topical subjects, including hedgerow and woodland management, grassland nutrient management, the role of dung beetles in improving productivity, and the use of herbal leys.

Together, these sessions aim to support resilient, profitable, and environmentally sustainable farming systems across Exmoor. Support for the next generation of farmers has been a key focus, with 11 one-to-one business support sessions delivered in partnership with Creedy Associates.

Further to this we have provided training for 8 candidates who have completed a Lantra approved Cross-Cut and Maintenance Chainsaw course working on Exmoor. These activities have been made possible thanks to funding from the Exmoor Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.

The Network is delighted to have been awarded funding through Exmoor National Park’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Programme.

Our project will deliver a range of support and training opportunities, including:

• One-to-one business support for Next Generation members with Creedy Associates.
• Subsidised chainsaw training offered at a 30% discount for anyone living, working, or contracting within ENPA.
• Four nature-friendly farming events, held on farm with local advisors, covering topics such as herbal leys, grassland nutrient management, dung beetles, and hedgerow and woodland management. These events will be advertised in our regular updates and across our social media channels in the New Year.

One-to-one Business Support

Participants will receive a free three-hour on-farm meeting with business advisor Jack Buckingham from Creedy Associates. The session can cover topics such as farm business resilience, succession planning, nature-friendly farming practices, soil health, and improving grassland management. Meetings are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each session will be led by you and tailored to your specific requirements.

Eligibility

• Under 40 years of age
• Actively involved in a farming business working within the Exmoor National Park.

Please note that all discussions during the meeting remain confidential and will not be shared with any other parties

LANTRA Cross Cut and Maintenance Chainsaw Course

Who it's for: Anyone over 16 years + intending to use chainsaws for business, domestic or leisure activities (for those working in forestry or arboriculture activities, it may be necessary to complete NPTC CS30 Chainsaw Assessment). This CS30 chainsaw course involves Integrated Training and Assessment.

Course objectives: Introduction to Health & Safety features of a chainsaw; maintenance; PPE (Personal Protective Equipment); fuelling and starting a chainsaw; preparing site and chainsaw checks; performing pre-cutting checks; site safety awareness; cross-cutting and stacking timber.

Duration: 2 days from 9.30am – 4pm 

Date: Course 1: January 2026 and Course: early March 2026

Venue: on farm, tbc

4 candidates per course

Cost: tbc with 30% discount ( paid back on receipt of attending course and workshop). This will be confirmed soon.

Eligibility criteria: One person per farming business or agricultural contracting business working within the Exmoor National Park. It will be mandatory to attend the workshop on hedgerow and woodland management to be held in February 2026.

 
Please register your interest  admin@ehfn.org.ukor call 07970 795808.

All delivery must be completed by 31^st March 2026 as the programme will be coming to an end. With the seasonal farming calendar ahead of us we are aiming to deliver by the beginning of March.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.