OVERBURY Farms on Bredon Hill has been selected to become the latest LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Demonstration Farm.

“We are joining a very select group of 40 farms around the country and we’re very proud to be involved with LEAF at this level, showing our commitment to sustainable farming practices,” said farm manager Jake Freestone.

He said being a LEAF Demonstration Farm gave a perfect opportunity to communicate with visitors to Overbury Farms and local groups in a structured way on how the farmland was managed and looked after.

“We can demonstrate the longterm vision we have for producing sustainable crops and livestock,”

Mr Freestone said. "We will welcome more people on to our farm to talk about how we farm in conjunction with the nine principles of integrated farm management and what we are doing to increase the biodiversity on our farm.

“Let’s not forget, though, that we are also here, providing all this diverse environment, in addition to producing food for you and your neighbours to eat.

“With food shortages around the world, the pressures for increased production from our limited land base supply will be great. We have to manage that pressure while still increasing the benefits to the environment in which we all live and work. It’s by using the IFM principles we can achieve both of these objectives.”

The official launch takes place today, when guests will be welcomed by Robert Kynaston, LEAF vice-chairman.

The launch will be headed by Mark Tufnell, of Calmsden Farms, and Caroline Drummond, LEAF chief executive, will also speak.

Mr Freestone will talk about integrated farm management in practice at Overbury Farms and then lead a farm tour.