Land and food systems regeneration
Avon is becoming a leading model of river restoration, regenerative agriculture and the ‘food commons’ – creating resilient and healthy regional food systems whilst restoring nature.
We have a deep history of market gardens, orchards, traditional organic crop rotations and mixed farming models that worked alongside nature for centuries.
Our region has established networks with hundreds of organic growers, regenerative producers and 12 ‘farm cluster groups’ (totalling 640 members, covering half the bioregion’s land acres, 278,000 acres) that focus on nature-aligned and river-friendly farming – We are helping bring together these producers for a bioregional farm ‘supercluster’, a community owned Food Hub and a Land Regeneration Centre.
We centre the river Avon in this work, as a key indicator of landscape health, community wealth and a bridge-builder across communities. Our water systems and food systems are inseparable.
Farm cluster groups
Develop & support Farm cluster groups covering the Avon catchment area to build learning, inspiration and funding networks for landscape scale restoration and resilient food systems.
Avon Producers Food Hub
Unite farmers in the region through a community owned Food & Land Hub with localised supply & distribution models, support the shift towards regenerative livelihoods and nature-friendly produce of place.
Avon Land Trust
Through blended community finance, secure land parcels with waterways/brooks/rivers for long-term stewardship, cyclical farming and regeneration across the valley including a food and wildlife abundance corridor the length of River Avon.
Phase 1: Uniting and growing
Western Farmers Cluster groups
This is part of the UK farm clusters movement (now over 200 nationwide), creating regional groups of farmers who collaborate for on farm and landscape wide transformation. Together, farmers can share learnings, access greater support, restore landscapes at scale and produce quality food for our region.
Through the Western Farmers Supercluster we are helping bring together 13 farm cluster groups with over 640 members covering 278,000+ acres in the bioregion. The emerging Supercluster links these groups and supports landscape scale work (alongside collaborative mapping & funding) towards resilient and thriving farm communities across the entire catchment.
How a farm cluster works
- as one part of the Supercluster, We Are Avon is helping establish the Growers cluster group in collaboration with Bristol Food Producers and Middle Ground Growers – this cluster focuses on uplifting horticultural producers and fresh food supply in the bioregion.
- Anyone is welcome to join their local farm cluster , we are all on a learning journey together and sharing knowledge farmer to farmer rather than through top down agronomy or government led information.
- Each group has their own communications channel e.g the ‘Hungry Growers informal WhatsApp group and occasional email list that summarises upcoming events and opportunities and support budgets for regenerative transitions or trainings.
- Groups can apply for joint funds and individual farm members can apply for specific project funding e.g. for agroforestry or a pond or training.
- We meet for seasonal farm walks , socials, workshops and events (provided free for members)
Get in touch to join (its free!) , contact Hamish@weareavon.org if you are interested in joining any farm cluster groups from the map and we can put you in touch with their facilitator. All farming types, backgrounds and land use are very welcome.
Follow the link below to register interest in the Growers Cluster:
Phase 2: A Regional Food & Land Hub
We are currently fundraising for a 50 acre land site in the centre of the Avon Bioregion – the site includes an established kitchen, cafe, infrastructure for food hub, eco-accommodation, and a river tributary of the Avon.
More details coming soon for our Community Shares launch day this Autumn! Anyone can become a co-owner of this farm, and help to pioneer a model of community-led regeneration and custodianship in the valley.
The Food Hub will link together farmers, growers and producers to give greater collective voice, livelihood security and stronger access to their recipient communities and food outlets.
If you are interested in supporting the Food Hub and receiving information on the Community Shares and membership offer, please contact the team via foodandland@weareavon.org and register your interest in the project:
Phase 3: Avon Land Trust
We Are Avon is a charitable Community Benefit Society, so can raise community shares for land parcels and assets for long term social & environmental benefit.
We chose this structure with the long term aim of a bioregional Community Land Trust model, whereby people can choose to put their money in withdrawal land trust shares (rather than in the destructive economy or mainstream banks), receive a fair return and be part of a new food & land commons.
The Land Trust secures parcels of land through fundraising, membership and investment. The trust retains the freehold on each smallholding and offers affordable/free lifetime leases within values-based parameters of socio-ecological sustainability.
The short term mission is to secure our first land parcel, a 44 acre site including a tributary of the Avon, for an inspiring Hub & regeneration centre for bioregional learning and practice.
The medium term ambition is to secure and regenerate 800 acres of land by 2030.
Longer term we aim to widen this model across the Avon catchment securing land parcels from source to sea and protecting our Avon forever, opening up community land access, regenerative food production and ecological custodianship on over 20,000 acres.