How CSHT helped farmer switch to sustainable beef production

As farmers across England gear up to receive the first payment for 2026’s Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, we look back at those who have used it to make real gains for their land and businesses.

Paul Loundon runs Wilkswood Farm on the south Dorset coast, as part of a tenancy agreement with the National Trust.

Paul came into farming 40 years ago due to his love of nature but ended up driven towards the intensive grazing of sheep, which wasn’t suitable for the landscape he loved.

The Higher Tier agreement he entered into, managed by Natural England’s Emma Tomlin, enabled Paul to change the stock over from sheep to native cattle, grazing on an entirely pasture-based system.

Paul Loundon © National Trust

“Paul found that CSHT gave him the opportunity to deliver meaningful gains for local wildlife alongside producing high‑quality meat,” Emma said.

“Each measure we added, from creating wood pasture to using native cattle breeds, has worked together to improve soil resilience and align with the sustainable way Paul wants to run things”.

The tailored advice from Natural England, working in partnership with the Southwest Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, has enabled Paul to take on a range of nature restoration projects while still running a viable business.

Paul Loundon © National Trust

Paul said “The advice and payments have helped me set up a sustainable way of managing an organic beef herd, which are completely pasture-fed, live outdoors all year and calve in the fields, making it much more economical than having to buy feeds and fertilisers”.

“This way, I can supply the local economy with meat while creating a place where nature can thrive. I feel like I have come full circle.” 

“Paul approached Natural England because CSHT gave him the opportunity to deliver meaningful nature‑restoration projects while maintaining a viable livestock enterprise. Together, we developed a scheme that supports food production while delivering significant, long‑term environmental gains.” – Emma Tomlin, lead adviser for Dorset Land Management.