Campaigners Advocate Protection for Historic Herefordshire Farm
A distinctive and historically significant farmland has been withdrawn from sale following a campaign led by local residents.
The 400-year-old water meadows at Turnastone Court in Herefordshire are believed to be the oldest pasturelands of their kind in England.
This landscape served as inspiration for author C. S. Lewis in creating the fictional world of Narnia, the setting for his renowned Chronicles of Narnia series, including The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
Campaigners are now urging for enhanced protection measures to ensure the land remains safeguarded in the future.
The Countryside Regeneration Trust, a charity, acquired Turnastone Court in 2003 to preserve what it described as one of the United Kingdom's most historically important farms.
The land has been continuously farmed since 1130 and supports numerous declining species such as skylark, yellowhammer, spotted flycatcher, and water voles.
The farm features a series of 16th-century stone sluice gates, representing one of the earliest recorded water management systems in England.
Situated in the Golden Valley of Herefordshire, between Hereford and the Welsh border, the area is believed to have inspired Lewis's vision of Narnia.
The author described the landscape as resembling his imagination of heaven.
On the hill above the village lies the Neolithic burial mound known as Arthur's Stone.
Lewis is thought to have used this mound as a reference for the stone table on which the character Aslan is sacrificed.
The buildings at Turnastone Court Farm are expected to be sold, with discussions ongoing, the trust confirmed.
Sale Withdrawal Following Community and Media Engagement
In May, 247 acres (100 hectares) of land and farm buildings were placed on the market without any protective covenants or restrictions.
Potential buyers would have had the freedom to use the property as they wished.
At the time, the charity stated that the sale was part of an ongoing consolidation strategy aimed at "reducing operational costs and reinvesting in its core nature-friendly farms."
After receiving feedback from campaigners and the BBC, the charity's trustees reversed their decision and withdrew the farm from sale.
The trust indicated it remains in discussions regarding the sale of the farm buildings, lodge, and cottage but intends to retain ownership of the land.
Rosie Hicks, vice chair of the charity's board of trustees, acknowledged the difficult circumstances faced by the organization.
"We had to make some difficult decisions, and we thought that selling Turnastone might be an opportunity to release some capital which we could then invest in our other farms," Hicks said.
The trust emphasized that the decision to remove the farm from the market followed consultation with the Herefordshire community and supporters of the charity.
"We didn't shy away from that conclusion, however uncomfortable it was to reach. We didn't realise how wide the interest is; it's heartening to see that a lot of people care about this farm," Hicks added.
Local Campaigners Stress Importance of Farm's Integrity
Local advocates, including Tim Heffer and Tom Oliver, are campaigning to ensure the farm's protection.
Community members emphasize the necessity of keeping the land and buildings together to maintain the farm's viability and express ongoing concerns about its future.
Some are requesting that the charity implement protective measures to preserve the land for future generations, even if ownership changes.
The trust noted that any additional restrictions could affect the property's market value and would need to be carefully considered in light of their legal and charitable obligations.
Tom Oliver, a farmer and landscape and environmental policy consultant, stated:
"We don't want this to become a museum, it has to be a working farm. Farmers need a farmyard and storage space, and it's crucial that the farm includes those facilities."
Tim Heffer, a farmer and conservationist, added:
"We're still concerned that the farm needs to be kept together as a sustainable farm business, so it's got to be the land and useable buildings."
Farm Conservation Advisor Highlights Ecological Significance
Caroline Hanks, a farm conservation advisor, highlighted the farm's ecological importance due to its diverse habitats.
She explained:
"This farm is really special because it includes many different habitats; meadows, orchards, pasture, and woodland; there are so many different places for wildlife to thrive.
There are fantastic flowering plants, and birds such as yellowhammers, skylarks, lapwing and curlew.
You can see dragonflies, damselflies, and a range of wonderful butterflies in the grass.
The soil here is so full of natural nutrients, it's a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how farming and nature go hand in hand."
Historical Water Management System and Agricultural Heritage
The farm is located in the Golden Valley of Herefordshire.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, Rowland Vaughan developed a system of ditches and stone sluice gates to divert water onto the farmland, enhancing grass growth and boosting productivity.
Vaughan named this system The Drownings, and historians generally credit his methods as an inspiration for irrigation techniques that increased crop yields during the agricultural revolution starting in the 16th century.
In 2015, the Countryside Regeneration Trust raised funds to restore the sluice gates.
During both world wars, when farmers were directed to increase food production, the local community prevented this pastureland from being ploughed, thereby preserving its heritage and wildlife.
The system of water gates was originally constructed during Elizabeth I's reign.
Future Outlook and Community Involvement
Current campaigners aim to continue protecting the farm's legacy.
Tom Oliver emphasized the importance of trust in community-led initiatives:
"It's crucial that when people raise money to do good things, they have confidence that that is what will happen.
Whether you're crowdfunding something or joining together as a community, this farm and its management in the future could set a shining example of how to do that."
The trust acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed optimism about collaborating with those who share a vision for the farm's future.
A spokesperson stated:
"The willingness to listen, and to act on what you hear, is what good governance looks like."
