Peer Support Groups

As well as ‘open events’ for anyone in the Network, the following three groups are targeted towards the particular interests of their members. They are open to new members and plan their own activities with support and coordination from the Network Manager. They usually meet in the evenings with occasional daytime sessions as required. Contact the Network Officer for more information.

Women in Farming
The group boasts more than 175 members on the mailing list, this group is primarily aimed at women who are farming or live on  a farm, but may also run a business or work outside farming. Each training or on-farm session attracts around 20 attendees, with ages ranging from 25 to 75. As well as the training and information exchange opportunities, many women welcome the chance to network across the moor, make new friends and learn some of the more technical aspects of farming. Sessions have included: on-farm diversification (tourism and food products); electronic tagging and EID; sheep condition scoring; book-keeping and VAT; social media for marketing. The group has also built the confidence of members to engage with and attend the Network’s open events too. The group meets monthly.
Foward Farming Group
This group aims to introduce members to new ideas, practices and technology with presentations and farm visits across the area. Members often host visits to demonstrate new activities on their farm alongside an expert speaker. Recent sessions have included a calf rearing unit, robotic milking machine, easy care sheep breeds and an on-farm micro-hydro scheme. The 25 members meet on a monthly basis with some separately funded social events.
Next Generation Group

This group is aimed at helping people under 40 gain knowledge and skills, and enhance their prospects in farming. With growing numbers of people attending and leading members of the group being more self-assured. It gives younger farmers the space to ‘come out’ from under the shadow of older generations and form their own views. The group is developing its own momentum. It gives younger farmers greater confidence through exchanging views and being listened to by their peers and with event organisers and speakers. Membership is fluid and there is a strong social element so that members can get to know each other. The Network continues to develop this group, trying new methods of contacting people and new ideas for meetings and events and arranging suitably qualified training for them to access. Evening meetings have included: Feed Mill visit, British Wool Board, on farm visits with innovate ideas, farm walks and talks. The group boasts more than 100 members on the mailing list. The Network continues to provide placements for young people to gain professional experience, working in the Network office supporting the Network Manager. If you would be interested in our Work Placement opportunity please get in touch.