Willow Specifications
Generations of family farming have taught us that what you take from the land, you must also give back. Today we’re proud to be part of a growing movement towards regenerative agriculture, protecting the Somerset Levels for the future.
Regenerative Farming in Practice
Most of our land is managed within environmental stewardship schemes, with a focus on soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. We’re gradually shifting to a regenerative farming system, improving the way the land works rather than just what it produces.
Regenerative farming means rebuilding topsoil, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, and strengthening the vitality of the soil itself. It’s a patient process, but one that leaves the land richer, more resilient, and better able to face the changing climate.
Working with Nature
Bringing livestock into the rotation with crops such as basketry willow improves soil structure, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. The willow provides shade, structure, and carbon capture. This natural cycle allows us to farm productively while restoring the ecosystems that support us.
Welcoming Visitors to the Landscape
Our small touring caravan site, with space for up to five caravans or motorhomes, lets visitors experience the Somerset Levels firsthand. Many use it as a peaceful stopover between the Midlands and the South West, or as a base to explore local history and nature. The land here carries deep heritage, this was the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor (1685), the last battle fought on English soil.
Renewable Energy
Sustainability extends beyond the fields. Our farmhouses and offices have been heated by biomass since 2012, using renewable fuel from the land itself. The next step is installing 60kW of solar PV panels, generating clean electricity to power the Somerset Willow Growers business and reduce our reliance on the grid.
Farming for the Future
For us, sustainability isn’t just about compliance, it’s about continuity. Every decision, from soil management to energy generation, is made with the next generation in mind. By combining traditional skills with forward-thinking methods, we’re helping ensure that Bussex Farm and Somerset Willow Growers continue to thrive together for years to come.