Case study: Warleigh Barton, South Hams 
About the farm
Warleigh Barton is a 190-hectare farm in the Tamar Valley, close to a protected nature site (Site of Special Scientific Interest). The farm mainly grows cereals, alongside a small flock of native sheep.
The land is managed in a way that supports wildlife, with areas set aside for birds and nature-friendly farming. These include grass margins, bird food plots and lower-input crops.
The business is run by Katherine Kent, who also runs a range of other activities on the farm. These include renewable energy, holiday accommodation, leisure activities and a shoot. While these bring in important income, Katherine recognises that the long-term success of the farm depends on building a strong and sustainable farming system.
With existing environmental funding coming to an end, Katherine is planning ahead and looking at how the farm can remain both productive and environmentally responsible in the future.
Client’s goals
Katherine worked with the Agri Innovation Programme at an important point of change for the business. She wanted time and support to plan the next stage of the farm’s development.
Her aims were to:
- Simplify how crops are grown across the farm
- Develop a more sustainable, whole-farm approach
- Improve soil health and long-term productivity
- Reduce reliance on external contractors
- Explore future opportunities, including environmental schemes and new income streams linked to nature
Support received
Through the Agri Innovation Programme, Katherine received one-to-one support to review the farm and plan next steps.
This included completing a whole-farm review to look at strengths, challenges and opportunities. From this, it was agreed that specialist advice would be most useful.
Funding was used to bring in Terrafarmer, a consultancy specialising in sustainable farming systems. They carried out a detailed assessment of the farm and produced a report outlining future options.
This report included practical ideas such as:
- Changes to crop rotations
- Introducing trees alongside farming (agroforestry)
- Increasing the use of low-input crops
- Reintroducing cattle grazing
- Applying for new environmental schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive
The report explained how these changes could improve soil quality, support wildlife and strengthen the farm’s financial position, while working alongside existing business activities.
Alongside this, additional guidance was provided to help Katherine understand:
- Future environmental funding options
- Carbon and environmental impacts
- Potential new income streams linked to nature
What has changed
As a result of the programme, Katherine now has a clear and practical plan for the future of Warleigh Barton.
The support has helped her better understand her options and how the farm could move towards a more sustainable and resilient system. She now has a clearer direction for crop planning, land use and future business decisions.
The advice has also increased her confidence in making long-term changes, particularly as current funding schemes come to an end.
Importantly, the support came at a time when the business was facing uncertainty. It has provided reassurance and a clear way forward, helping Katherine plan a future that balances productive farming with environmental care.