Free Business Advice Helps Essex Vineyard Grow Sustainably

New Hall Wine Estate in Purleigh, Crouch Valley, Essex, has a central focus on sustainable innovation and maximising vine health and prosperity, whilst enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the surrounding habitat of the vineyard. 

The family-run vineyard was seeking to enhance the biodiversity benefits achievable on all aspects of the land, including the land between the vines and previously unutilised grass margins, to provide both ecological and economic benefits to the business. 

It is for this reason that vineyard owner, Chris Trembath, opted for a review of agri-environmental schemes using the Defra’s Future Farm Resilience Fund (FFRF). This provided him with access to free business support and advice from official FFRF provider and leading independent farming consultancy, Ceres Rural. 

How Ceres Rural helped

The first step was for Ceres Rural to visit the vineyard to review the viticultural parcels and ecological areas the business may wish to enhance, followed by a discussion regarding the relevant grant funding available, both now and in the future. 

The 60ha vineyard already had a small Countryside Stewardship agreement. This included wildflower mixes, cover cropping, and regenerative practices. However, Ceres Rural highlighted new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options. These could reward existing sustainable practices and reduce risk when creating new ecological areas. The vineyard’s integrated pest management approach also aligned perfectly with SFI principles.

The vineyard now plans to establish new SFI areas, such as winter cover cropping between vines, to support soil health, improve pest management and advance temperature regulation to prevent frost damage to vines during the cooler months.  

Mr Trembath noted “These schemes have allowed us to receive financial support for the ecologically beneficial practices we were already delivering, but critically they’ll help us to secure wider funding to deliver our broader environmental goals.” 

Beth Speakman, the Ceres Rural consultant, added  “The new environmental areas will not only protect the vines by improving the soil health and boosting the surrounding habitats, but also help to de-risk the business against future environmental and market instability.”  

The FFRF report also highlighted Countryside Stewardship Capital Options. These included RP15: Concrete Yard Renewal and RP4: Livestock and Machinery Hardcore Tracks. Both will improve infrastructure and prevent soil compaction by creating better access routes.

Ceres Rural has helped the business receive confirmation of a successful capital application, meaning works are due to commence later this year.  

Mr Trembath concluded “The capital funding allows us to improve our infrastructure and operate more efficiently, whilst also offering public good in protecting the surrounding hedges, ditches and wider water networks”.  

What is the Future Farming Resilience Fund? 

Running until March 2025, farmers can access one-to-one, free-of-charge advice and direction from the Defra initiative, helping them to identify changes now BPS support is removed and ELMS is introduced. 

The Ceres Rural packages allow farmers to choose from a range of items, depending on their needs and level of detail required – gold, silver and bronze options are available. 

Farm resilience reports, carbon audits, benchmarking updates, business plans, budgets and follow-up business reviews are accessible, with our consultants involved in the collection of data and delivery of results. Over 1,150 reports have been produced by Ceres Rural so far, with many more to be delivered in the next six months. 

To register your interest in receiving free farm business advice, email futurefarming@ceresrural.co.uk, visit www.ceresrural.co.uk/service/free-business-advice/, or call 01223 679 679. 

About New Hall Wine Estate 

Established in 1969, New Hall Wine Estate hosts some of England’s longest established vines, making soil and ecological health essential to the success of the business. Still family-owned to this day, run by the third generation, they now have 120 acres under vine and an impressive newly build winery on site. In 2024, they have achieved eight awards for their Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Rose, Barons Lane Red, Rose and Signature wines.