Weston Park Farm
Venture into Weston’s fields and woodlands, where a bold shift to no-till sparked a regenerative rethink – now alive with herbal leys, mob-grazed cattle and soil that breathes easy.
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About Weston Park Farm
Weston Park Farm doesn’t believe progress means doing more – it means doing better. Over the past 35 years, the farm has evolved from a conventional, tillage-heavy system into a working example of regenerative agriculture in action.
The shift began in 2010, after farmer John Cherry visited no-till pioneers in the US. Inspired by what he saw – and motivated by a healthy dislike of bumpy tractor rides – he dropped the plough for good. Since then, the land has responded: healthier soils, richer biodiversity, lower emissions and fewer hours in the cab.
Today, Weston Park Farm is a mixed landscape of arable fields, permanent pasture and managed woodland. Crops like wheat, barley, oats, beans and linseed grow alongside species-rich cover crops and herbal leys. The farm’s Pasture for Life-certified herd of shorthorn-cross cattle graze in rotation across parkland pastures, helping to build fertility and life back into the soil. Timber harvested from the woodland fuels three onsite biomass boilers, part of the farm’s growing commitment to circular systems and low-impact living.
Just before Christmas 2024, they decided to plant a walnut silvopasture system and planted 110 walnut trees (8 different varieties). Silvopastoral systems offer many proven benefits for livestock, including significant live weight gains and increased social interactions. The trees also help livestock conserve energy by providing shelter from rain or sun, depending on the season.
But Weston isn’t just changing how farming is done – it’s helping others do the same. The farm is now home to Groundschool, a new year-round programme of courses and workshops designed to spread regenerative thinking far and wide. With working enterprises as real-life teaching tools, Groundschool offers a chance to learn by doing, and to join a movement rooted in care, curiosity and collaboration.
John and his brother Paul at Lannock Farm are also the founders of Groundswell regenerative agriculture festival, which attracts a worldwide audience of people, farmers, and scientists to discuss one of the most pressing debates of our time.
Who?
A farmer for more than 40 years, John Cherry has always been fascinated by soil, considering it the most important thing about farming.
He first became interested in conservation agriculture, or no-till farming, after speaking to others who were trying it.
After introducing it successfully onto his family farm in 2010, John is now committed to helping spread the word and encourage other farmers to learn how to do the same.
Other businesses on the farm:
Groundschool – https://www.groundschoolag.com/
A learning centre for the food and farming community
Weston Park Veg – https://www.westonparkfarms.co.uk/westonparkveg
No-dig market garden
Calf at Foot Dairy – https://www.thecalfatfootdairy.co.uk/
Micro dairy and school producing milk without separating cows from their calves