The Allerton Project researches the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment, sharing results of our research through advisory and educational activities. This is undertaken on our 320 hectare demonstration farm based in Leicestershire, United Kingdom.

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The Allerton Project

We identify management that delivers multiple benefits for our rural landscape. Our work covers natural capital accounting, agri-environment schemes and regenerative farming systems. From soil and water, to woodland and environmental habitat that increases biodiversity, our aim is to build farmland resilience. Our own research team collaborate with other research organisations and help co-supervise numerous PhD and MSc projects.

Visitors to the project include businesses, policy makers, non-government organisations, regulators, farmers, advisors, students and schools. We have several initiatives that involve the local community to help improve a shared understanding of agricultural and environmental issues.

Commercial farming and environmental rejuvenation will be successful with considered policy and interventions from those that manage our countryside. In essence, the Allerton Project is an award winning, pioneering blueprint for future rural landscapes.

 

Training

The Allerton Project also provides training courses. New for 2023, the Sustainable Land Management course interactively teaches above how to improve on-farm biodiversity, manage natural resources, and community engagement to move your farm towards a more sustainable future.

Read more here.

 

Projects

The research team at The Allerton Project collaborate with companies and research organisations across the country and throughout Europe.

We help co-supervise numerous PhD and MSc projects and share results of our research through advisory and educational activities.

Here are some of our projects.

 

Research

For more than 30 years the Allerton Project has been at the cutting edge of research into sustainable farming methods, biodiversity & habitat creation, and rural landscape management. Combining our modern, productive farm with a full-time research team we have the scope to conduct research into agri-environmental issues at a range of scales, from experimental plot to whole-landscape. Some of our long-term trials have datasets stretching back for three decades, giving a unique level of granularity and detail.

Find out more here.

 

 

Watch the short introductory video below to find out more:

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Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS) is a four-year £5.9M ambitious research programme involving 200 UK farms and 18 partners. The project is funded by the Defra Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK. The consortium of UK companies, research institutes and farmer networks, led by PGRO, aims to bring about a reduction of 1.5Mt CO₂e per annum or 54% of the maximum potential for UK Agriculture. This will be achieved by increasing pulse and legume cropping in arable rotations to 20% across the UK (currently 5%). In addition, 50% of imported soya meal used in livestock rations will be replaced with home-grown feeds.  Both of these ambitious aims will be steered by science and proven by real farm enterprises, with significant benefits for both crop and livestock productivity, including cost savings of over £1bn/yr.

NCSPulse PEP
Hutchinsons

Industry Leading Agronomists.  With many farming clients, representing over one million hectares, Hutchinsons are a leading agricultural and horticultural input advice and supply company.

Pulse Pioneers

Farmers taking part in and getting paid for on-farm trials as part of the NCS Project.

NCSPulse PEP
The GWCT Allerton Project trial: bi-cropping spring peas and spring oats

Our PulsePEP trial will evaluate the novel method of bi-cropping spring peas, spring oats and spring beans in a rotation, looking at the impact on available nitrogen (N) in the following crop.  It will also evaluate the environmental benefits of including pulses in a rotation, by measuring greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O), over the course of the experiment. 

NCSPulse PEP
LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming)

LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is the leading charity organisation delivering more sustainable food and farming. They work with farmers, the food industry, scientists and consumers, to inspire and enable sustainable farming that is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities.

NCSPulse PEP
Syngenta

Syngenta UK is a leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.

Frontier

Frontier Agriculture is the UK's leading crop production and grain marketing business, recognised for its close customer relationships with farmers and grain consumers and its successful management of the arable supply chain.

Agricultural Biochar Knowledge Exchange Event

A must-attend event for anyone with an interest in the role biochar will play in the future agricultural landscape. Run by The Allerton Project.

BASIS - Sustainable Land Management Course

New for 2023 - BASIS BETA Conservation Management is being updated to the Certificate in Sustainable Land Management to run alongside a shorter introductory course – The Principles of Sustainable Land Management.  

Peas and beans as a livestock feed

Though peas and beans have long been a trusted part of cropping rotations, it is perhaps only recently that the scope and value of their potential is being realised.

NCSPulse PEP
NCS Project Leaflet

Farmers working with scientists to achieve the best from pulse crops and reduce their carbon emissions.

NCSPulse PEP
Management of clay soils to reduce impacts on water – the evidence base from Allerton Project research

Allerton Project research suggests that there are steps that can be taken to reduce runoff and impacts on water quality.

Economic and ecological benefits of reduced tillage in the UK

This report reviews the economic benefits that can be achieved from reduced tillage.

Cover Cropping for Climate Neutral Farming – Tour with Toby Simpson

Join us for a morning tour and chat with Nuffield Scholar Toby, as we explore the benefits of cover cropping for climate-friendly farming.

Using low-emission fertilisers in climate neutral farming

Low emission fertilisers - what are they, how do they work and why are farmers using unique, low carbon alternatives.

Harvest update on Pulse-PEP bi-cropping trial

An update from the Allerton Project at the end of year one of our bi-cropping trial 

NCSPulse PEP
From Soya to Sustainability

This landmark conference (January 22, 2025) will explore innovative strategies to increase pulse production and use in livestock diets. Register HERE

NCSPulse PEP
To discuss this further head to the Farming Forum