Working with nature.
We have managed Ruscombe Farm for 30yrs, establishing an award winning suckler herd of Red Poll cattle. The farm is currently under both Countryside Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship schemes. We conservation graze land for the local Wildlife Trust and the National Trust. Our ethos is to grow healthy tasty food, whilst caring for the environment.
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Richard Spyvee BSc MCIEEM CEnv
I have 35yrs experience in habitat management, farming and environmental consultancy. I have worked across the main habitat types in lowland England; grassland, wetland and woodland. This foundation has developed my understanding of natural solutions that help wildlife and reduce management costs. I have been a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management for over 20yrs and I am a Chartered Environmentalist. The benefit of working with nature for so long, in Gloucestershire, is that I can monitor the outcome, learning what works and what doesn’t.
And I am an avid supporter of Gloucester Rugby (C’mon Glaws!!!)
I have lived on Ruscombe Farm since childhood, so have a good understanding of the complexities and balancing that go on in a farming life. In that time on the farm we have developed the conservation management as part of our farming enterprise, creating species rich grasslands, woodlands and water bodies.
I have worked in Nature Conservation for over 30yrs, with the majority of this time with National Trust as a Farm and Wildlife Advisor. During this time I have worked closely with farmers supporting them to get the best outcomes for nature and their business. I have developed and submitted agri-environment schemes with and for the farmers, creating significant income streams for them to help their business and to enhance nature. I am BASIS Soils and Water qualified.
I have a lot of interests outside farming, including horses and dogs, so am very happy just to talk about such things as well as trying to incorporate them into the farming system.
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Rebecca Charley BSc HONS
