Conservation Grazing Workshop

This half day workshop is designed for existing and prospective graziers and also landowners looking for graziers.  The workshop will be hosted by conservation grazing expert and co-owner of ‘Grazing Management’ Alex Crawley.

We will look at the finances and profitability of conservation grazing, covering fixed costs and time requirements and consider the question within the context of different projects. Does the grazier pay to use the land or are they providing a paid for service? Who gets the subsidies? Along with many other questions around the topic. 

The practicalities of grazing strategy will be considered and intended outcomes for biodiversity improvements and ecological health, as well as how requirements of environmental schemes will inform decisions.

We will also consider what practical management and infrastructure requirements may be needed, including mobile handling, water, electric fencing and innovations such as no-fence collars.

You will leave this course having learned about:

• Financial realities and profitability
• What strategies can be used when grazing for biodiversity improvements and ecological health
• Stocking rates
• Practical management and infrastructure
• Volunteers and community involvement

After the workshop, we will finish with a delicious lunch at the award-winning FarmED Cafe. 

Speakers

Alex Crawley is founder and co-director of Grazing Management Ltd. Focused on ‘hoof powered nature restoration,’ Grazing Management Ltd provides professional contract conservation grazing to restore and manage habitats from wildflower meadow and heathlands to industrial and historical sites. The concept, born in 2017 now covers 500 acres over 25 different sites and growing.

Grazing Management Ltd was winner of the British Farming Awards (New entrant) in 2023, and finalists in the BBC Food and Farming Awards (Farming for the future) in 2025 and the Schoffel countryside awards (innovation category) 2025.

Alex is a first generation, new entrant and late starter to farming and conservation. This gives him a different perspective. He is keen to share the learning from both the ups and the downs. Farming without a farm and without subsidy means his deep passion for nature restoration is balanced with a sharp focus on real world business and financial realities – ‘You can't be Green if you’re in the Red’ is a mantra he lives by.

Alex is also a 2025 Nuffield Scholar, researching ‘More than Meat – the hidden value of livestock grazing,’ looking internationally at the additional value of extensive grazing,

Arrival & Timing Information

Please arrive at 9:30am. The course will be expected to finish at 1pm after which you will get a freshly prepared, nutritious lunch from the FarmED Cafe where you will be able to network with other guests.

Tiered Pricing

Delivery of our mission is a collective effort and our values embrace inclusivity and diversity. We don’t want price to be a barrier to anyone visiting FarmED or attending our events. Read more about our tiered pricing policy here.

If cost is a barrier to you attending, then please do ask us for financial support. The FarmED Bursary offers free or subsidised places to those that will benefit most.

We like to take photos and occasionally videos of our events to use on our website and social media, please let us know if you do not want to be photographed.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that there may be times when you need to cancel your booking.  Our cancellation policy is outlined here.