Higher Beatrix: A Duchy-Supported Regenerative Agriculture Transition
Located on the prestigious White Well Estate under Duchy of Lancaster ownership, Higher Beatrix represents a significant case study in upland regenerative agriculture transition. This 1,300-acre farm operates in one of Britain's most challenging agricultural environments, receiving over 90 inches of annual rainfall while managing diverse livestock enterprises across environmentally sensitive fell land designated as Triple Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Enterprise Overview and Current Operations
Higher Beatrix operates a substantial livestock system centered on 200 dairy cross calves purchased annually at one month old and grown to big stores. The farm maintains approximately 600 breeding ewes, reduced from a previous 1,200, comprising a mix of Scottish Blackface and Mule sheep with new Aberfield genetics being introduced for enhanced hardiness in the demanding upland conditions. Recent diversification includes the farm's first Belted Galloway suckler cows, marking their entry into the suckler system.
The operation faces typical upland challenges, particularly with finishing lambs off grass in the high-rainfall environment. Current infrastructure includes housing cattle for eight months annually in outdated buildings, supported by three slurry stores, two of which are aging and require covering. Recent investments demonstrate commitment to improvement, including 2,500 meters of water infrastructure with an additional 3,000 meters planned, plus significant electric fencing investment secured through Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funding.
Regenerative Agriculture Journey
Higher Beatrix's transition began eight years ago, triggered by a Duchy of Lancaster email promoting regenerative practices. This journey has been informed by influential literature including "Dirt to Soil" by Gabe Brown, "Kiss the Ground," and "For the Love of Soil." Practical learning has come through multiple visits to regenerative farms and mentorship from Alan Cowan in Northumberland through the Pasture for Life organization, of which the farm is an active member with FiPL funding support.
The farm currently implements rotational grazing, though recognizes the need for longer rest periods than the current three-week rotations allow. Traditional set stocking practices have historically prevented grassland diversity expression, but adaptive management approaches are being developed. Some deferred grazing has been implemented to provide winter sheep feed, indicating growing understanding of seasonal grazing management.
High-Profile Institutional Support
Higher Beatrix operates with exceptional institutional backing, having received visits from His Majesty the King alongside Duchy officials. The estate has also hosted Gabe Brown, one of regenerative agriculture's most prominent figures, on a separate visit. This high-profile attention reflects the Duchy of Lancaster's active promotion of regenerative transition and positions Higher Beatrix as a potential demonstration farm for the region.
Financial modeling support comes through Andrew Jamieson, the Duchy consultant, while the farm's recent MSO assessment indicates a stronger financial position than many comparable operations. However, diversification income affects rent calculations, adding complexity to the business planning process.
Family Structure and Labor Dynamics
The farm operates as a family enterprise with Janet and Andrew as primary decision-makers. The extended family includes parents aged 85-86 who remain active but are gradually reducing their involvement. Sister Alison runs the alpaca walking diversification enterprise, which provides therapeutic benefits for her bipolar condition. Two sons are involved, with the eldest at 24 working on the farm while facing some personal challenges.
Work-life balance presents ongoing concerns, with the family taking only 1-2 weeks annual holiday and acknowledging poor work-life balance overall. This recognition drives their desire for more sustainable lifestyle approaches as part of the regenerative transition.
Environmental Context and Conservation Challenges
The farm's location on Triple SSI fell land featuring sphagnum moss and blanket bog creates unique conservation responsibilities alongside agricultural production. Interest in securing cattle grazing derogation for fell areas reflects understanding of livestock's potential role in habitat management. However, tick issues currently prevent sheep with lambs from accessing fell areas, limiting grazing options and highlighting the complex interplay between livestock management and environmental stewardship.
Dry stone wall protection represents another infrastructure challenge requiring integration with grazing management plans, while the potential elimination of the sheep enterprise entirely remains under consideration as the regenerative transition develops.
Future Direction and Demonstration Potential
Higher Beatrix's eight-year regenerative journey, combined with Duchy support and high-profile attention, positions it uniquely within British agriculture. The farm's challenges with high rainfall, sensitive habitats, and traditional upland systems make it an important test case for regenerative approaches in some of Britain's most demanding agricultural environments.
The combination of institutional support, family commitment to change, and genuine engagement with regenerative principles creates potential for Higher Beatrix to influence broader agricultural transition across upland Britain. Success here could demonstrate regenerative agriculture's viability in challenging environments while maintaining the environmental stewardship essential to sensitive fell landscapes.
Through careful development of adaptive management systems and continued institutional support, Higher Beatrix represents an important opportunity to bridge traditional upland farming heritage with innovative regenerative approaches, potentially influencing agricultural practice across similar challenging environments throughout the UK.