Farming and the Environment – a morning for degree students
In autumn 2024, Anglia Rural Consultants (ARC), with support from WWF-UK’s 2030 Circle, produced a report for Norfolk FWAG titled Norfolk Environmental Skills Gap Analysis (NESGA). The report drew on consultations with local stakeholders and focus groups. One clear theme emerged: although young environmentalists tend to be well trained in environmental techniques, many have limited understanding of the industries working within the natural environment—particularly farming, where conflicting priorities, financial pressures and practical constraints are part of daily decision-making.
ARC members felt there was a need for students on environmentally focused courses to experience the realities of farm businesses first-hand. Seeing not only good environmental practice on farms, but also the breadth and complexity of the issues land managers face, can help students appreciate how commercial, environmental and physical factors interact. There are many examples of conflicts being resolved successfully, with compromises that are fair, workable and aligned with national environmental goals while sustaining productive food systems.
Our aim was to partner with a university to provide students with a farm visit that would put environmental land management into context and enrich their classroom learning. In November 2025, we were able to run the first event for first-year students taking the module Sustainability Challenges and Solutions at the University of East Anglia. Professor Andrew Lovett brought 21 students to the Morley Foundation farm near Wymondham, where farm manager David Jones led a trailer tour showcasing arable cropping, cover crops, rewilded field corners for wild bird feed, hedge establishment, watercourse management, manure storage and changes to sugar beet cultivation in response to climate change. The students’ questions led to lively and thoughtful discussion throughout the visit.
Professor Lovett said:
“The visit to Morley Farm was very informative and gave our students valuable insight into the practicalities of arable farming. It was an excellent complement to their classes on sustainability in food systems, and we would be keen to repeat it if the opportunity arises.”
A student commented: “When talking to many farmers in daily life and when discussed in the media, there seems to be a lot of pushback to change. It was enlightening to see just how engaged Morley farm are with climate change issues, and the adaptations needed to get there. Their passion for the environment and integrating this with their agricultural practices, gives me hope for future farms”.
Thanks to generous support from WWF, we were able to offer the event to the University at no cost. Anglia Rural Consultants are delighted to help turn the findings of a written report into a practical, positive contribution to the development of the next generation. We look forward to being able to deliver more such experiences to sixth-form, college and university students on a range of courses across different fields of study.
