The Trent Estate is a particularly good example of how closely farmers can work together for the benefit of nature and the wider community through the support of a Countryside Stewardship Scheme.Not only have all the farmers on the estate collaborated to achieve, with ECT, a 'whole estate plan', but the enthusiasm has rubbed off on our neighbours, such that a comprehensive approach to conservation issues covers an area in a ring fence nearly twice the size of the Trust's ownership. All involved have thought about what they can do for the benefit of nature and the beauty of the landscape, and of ways in which they can share it with other people. The result is an area where the wildlife and landscape, which is laced with footpaths, is conserved for future generations and used by schools to learn about ecology.

View of Bucklers Farm, Trent Estate. Traditional field and hedge patterns form an important link with our heritage and site for conservation.

An organised tour of the Estate for the farmers and local redidents to promote awareness of the conservation work

 The Trent Scheme, which was started in 1998, includes a steep-sided valley that lies close to the village of Trent. It is specifically managed to increase the biodiversity of the area in harmony with the farming uses of the land. The works facilitated by the Scheme include hedge restoration by coppicing or laying and hedge planting to create stock-proof field boundaries. A large part of the Estate is characterised by traditional hay meadows, separated by sunken lanes. The hay meadows are lightly stocked so that they are not damaged by the hooves of cattle, and are mown late in the summer, after wildflowers have seeded, so that these species can multiply. Special care is taken to protect a rare colony of Chalkhill Blue butterflies. New ponds, tree planting and field margin creation all combine to create new habitats, while bracken control helps to maintain and improve the biodiversity of the area.
The Trust and its tenants have also tried to encourage a local understanding of the Countryside Stewardship Schemes and the good work that they achieve. This was shown in an open day held in Trent, giving guided visits over the Stewardship land. These outstanding achievements also owe much to the existence of the estate farmers' shoot, for good shoot management encourages good conservation, and generous shoot members who invite their neighbours have spread the gospel of conservation over a far wider area.