FWAG SouthWest

FWAG SouthWest Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group SouthWest is a registered charity dedicated to promoting wildlife, environment and sustainable farming practices.

FWAG was founded in the 1960’s by a group of forward thinking farmers who saw that the environment was an important part of successful farming businesses. Since then we have provided impartial, professional advice to UK agriculture, and have a membership of over 2,000 farmers who share our vision and support our charitable aims. FWAG SouthWest has 15 advisers across the region. Our team includes specialists who can provide independent, reliable information, practical advice, guidance and training in order to bring both financial and wildlife benefits to your farm.

FWAG South West backs British farming by providing trusted, independent guidance that helps farmers balance productivity...
09/09/2026

FWAG South West backs British farming by providing trusted, independent guidance that helps farmers balance productivity with environmental care. From creating wildlife‑rich habitats to improving soil health, we support farmers to look after their fields, hedges and waterways for future generations — keeping British farming rooted in nature.

27/08/2026

FWAG SW: The Whole Story 🎥💚

Our new film is here and it’s something special. Every day, farmers across the South West are doing extraordinary work for wildlife, soil, water and the wider landscape. This film takes you behind the scenes to hear their stories, the challenges they face, the passion they bring and how FWAG SW is behind them at every hurdle, offering support and guidance and celebrating their achievements.

🎥 Watch the full film here (or on youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLxZ6iXkTnQ) to meet the farming community at the heart of everything we do. A huge thank you to all the farmers who took part, your leadership in the field inspires us every single day.

We’re delighted to announce John Malseed of Frenchbeer Farm near Chagford as the winner of the John Whetman Devon Bronze...
20/08/2026

We’re delighted to announce John Malseed of Frenchbeer Farm near Chagford as the winner of the John Whetman Devon Bronze Otter Award for 2026.

John’s parents moved to the 450 ha organic Duchy of Cornwall farm in 1986, building up a flock of sheep and herd of suckler cows. Turkeys were added to the enterprise mix to aid cash flow and John now rears 8000 birds a year for a loyal local customer base.

“The backbone of Frenchbeer Farm is very much the environmental stewardship schemes” explained John. “Beef from the suckler herd is sold through Farm Wilder and the cows have an important conservation job to do too”. Like many moorland farmers, John is keen to see the return of the curlew and has been working with his landlord to create the right conditions for these moorland birds.

The judges came away impressed by both what John has already achieved and the direction he is taking the farm. We can't wait for the farm walk next summer. A full write up will be online in the coming days.

For more information about any of our awards, look on our website or get in touch!

We’re proud to announce The Real Food Garden as winners of the 2026 Cornwall Otter Award.Guided by their mission to “Nou...
04/08/2026

We’re proud to announce The Real Food Garden as winners of the 2026 Cornwall Otter Award.

Guided by their mission to “Nourish people and place through truly sustainable food production”, they’ve built a farm where environmental care and commercial success work seamlessly together. Their regenerative, low‑input system thrives without synthetic fertilisers, fungicides or pesticides — instead relying on compost, green manures, diverse rotations, and long‑term soil health and carbon monitoring to continually improve their footprint.

Hedgerows are managed on sensitive rotational cycles, creating blossom, berries and wildlife corridors while supporting food production. The conservation grazing service they provide supports rare species and the management of SSSI’s. Through their veg box scheme and farm shop, they connect customers directly to their values, strengthening relationships and championing truly sustainable food.

The judges noticed how well the growing crops were looking and commended their integration of livestock into the farm’s policy with the use of unsaleable vegetables. They were also impressed by exemplary training of staff and engagement with the public and community. A standout example of regenerative farming done with integrity, purpose and impact. We look forward to the celebration farm walk next summer!

We're aware of the huge impact that Bluetongue is having on many livestock farmers across the region.Please reach out fo...
31/07/2026

We're aware of the huge impact that Bluetongue is having on many livestock farmers across the region.

Please reach out for help.

FCN can be contacted 24/7 on 03000 111 999

Two weeks ago we were at the inspirational Crowcombe Estate for a farm walk and celebration event for their Somerset Ott...
24/07/2026

Two weeks ago we were at the inspirational Crowcombe Estate for a farm walk and celebration event for their Somerset Otter Award win in 2025.

The walk began at Hurley Beacon, one of the highest points on the western edge of the Quantock Hills. At 354 metres, it offered spectacular panoramic views before guests made their way down towards Hurley Farm, stopping for discussion on the way. We heard about bracken and rhododendron control. Jim (Estate Manager) explained their philosophy: staying on foot as much as possible to maintain a hands-on understanding of the land, working sensitively around ground‑nesting birds, and allowing nature to guide their decisions.

Crowcombe Estate’s plans for the future are impressive, their Higher Tier Agreements display this. Above all, the passion and commitment of the team shines through. Annabel and her family have navigated monumental change in recent years, and their dedication to the land — and to shaping a resilient, nature-led future — is truly inspirational. Huge congratulations!

Read in full on our website as always.

In addition to these announcements from Defra regarding capital grants and higher tier, they have also announced that 50...
06/07/2026

In addition to these announcements from Defra regarding capital grants and higher tier, they have also announced that 50% of the budget for window 1 of SFI 26 has been allocated.

For advice on all grants and schemes, please contact our adviser team on [email protected] or 01823 660684

Over the last couple months, our Kingfisher Award Scheme has been taking place across the south west. Its a huge team ef...
02/07/2026

Over the last couple months, our Kingfisher Award Scheme has been taking place across the south west. Its a huge team effort in each county, inviting hundreds of primary school children out onto farms, turning a field into a classroom for a day.

Our Devon Kingfisher Award concluded this week, with Seaton Primary School, Culm Class, being awarded the winners. Axminster Primary School were Runners-Up. They both won £100 and £50 NHBS vouchers respectively. Well done to all the children involved, for asking questions, listening, learning and having fun!

Just take a look at these pictures to get a feel for how incredible this opportunity is for the children involved! We are so proud to be a part of this.

FWAG wanted to take a moment to thank a few key players at this years Devon KAS: The Vending Shed for being our host farm, welcoming our volunteers and many school children across the two days. What a venue! And Bay View Guest House for fueling our volunteers with delicious lunches!

We also want to thank all of our funders and supporters of the Kingfisher Award. The scheme is completely free for schools, so we rely on this support. You can find out who these organisations are on our website. If you want to support KAS please consider making a donation on our website.

If you want to be involved next year, either as a volunteer or a school, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch!

Yesterday marked the 47th Silver Lapwing Award presentation and farm walk. Hosted by the 2025 winners, Andrew Bott and f...
24/06/2026

Yesterday marked the 47th Silver Lapwing Award presentation and farm walk. Hosted by the 2025 winners, Andrew Bott and family at Finches Farm in Hertfordshire.

The farm walk took in pond restoration, management of ancient woodlands, agroforestry trials and Andrews very own 'home brew' mix using the Johnson-Su method of creating the farms very own biology to aid crop growth, health and vigor.

The presentation took place for the 2026 award, with 5 expectational finalists from across the country competing for the top honours.

Runners-up were Alan and Colin Price of Long Bank Farm in Yorkshire. An organic dairy and sheep farm offering amazing habitat for birds such curlew. The judges were impressed by species-rich hay meadows teeming with wildlife and the use of small scale renewables to provide the farms energy.

The winners of the 2026 Silver Lapwing Award are . A family farm in Gloucestershire, partnering with local livestock farmers to create a mixed farming business with a strong focus on the local community. Having moved from an intensive arable system to an extensive crop rotation, they are seeing huge increases in bird and butterfly populations and much healthier soils.

Huge thanks to our main sponsors and for their ongoing support of the awards.

very much look forward to welcoming everyone to the South West in 2027 to celebrate the 48th Silver Lapwing Award!

Address

Hawkridge House, Summerfield Way, Chelston Business Park
Wellington
TA218YA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441823660684

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