A Spotlight on Helen Browning

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role

I’m an organic farmer in Bishopstone, near Swindon, with a whole range of enterprises including dairy, beef, pigs, cereals and agroforestry….mostly fruit and nut trees. I’m also CEO of the Soil Association. The Soil Association is the membership charity that aims to ensure a safe climate, the reversal of declines in wildlife and healthy food for all through a move to nature friendly farming and forestry methods. We’ve been around since 1946, and are best known for pioneering organic standards….but we also work on farmer led research, transforming food in schools, influencing policy makers and much more.

What do you like best about your role?

I love the mix of what I do, and the balance between my more practical life on the farm, and the leadership of the Soil Association. One moment I may be rounding up escaping cattle, and the next on a call with Defra officials discussing proposals for new farming support schemes. It’s good to be walking the talk, and it means I have insights on the challenges farmers are facing, for instance, which is hugely useful in shaping the SA’s work and advocacy. And I would be hopeless if I spent all my time in an office! I am re-energised by walking the farm, and spending time with my animals and trees.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Wiltshire and why?

I’m pretty terrible at visiting anywhere locally, as when I’m at home, I tend to be entirely consumed with life here! But my sister lives and farms at East Grafton, and so that gives an excuse to explore Savernake Forest for wonderful walking and cycling, and maybe pop into the lovely town of Marlborough.

Do you have any hidden Wiltshire gems that you’d like to share with our readers?

The valleys that flow from the Ridgeway into the Vale around Bishopstone are spectacular. The lynchets on our neighbouring farm create a magnificent amphitheatre, and you can do a circular walk through our combe as well. Ours is less awe-inspiring, but fabulously rich in native chalk downland species. The orchids are at their best in June and early July, so well worth a visit then.

Where’s your favourite Wiltshire picnic spot?

I had a lovely picnic reconvening with girlfriends from school days, at Roundway near Devizes last winter. Another stunning landscape….Wiltshire has so many of them!....and on a bright but very cold day in January we had a glorious day.

Where are your favourite places to eat out in Wiltshire and why?

Well, it has to be our own pub and mini hotel on the farm, The Royal Oak - without wanting to self promote! I love the fact that our ingredients mostly come from the farm or from other local producers, and except in the depths of winter, we cook in an outdoor kitchen with an Argentinian Grill and pizza oven, all wood or charcoal fired. The garden has plenty of shade and shelter, an array of colours through most of the year, and for me, it’s the best place to chill with friends without having to worry about driving!