A west Norfolk farm estate is continuing its journey towards more nature-friendly land management by weaning itself off agrochemicals and converting to organic food production.

Wild Ken Hill, near Snettisham, launched its ambitious sustainability project in 2019 and gained national fame by hosting the BBC Springwatch programme.

It blends large-scale rewilding with traditional conservation and regenerative agriculture - driven by an intensive focus on soil health.

After detailed studies, analysis and experimentation, the farm has produced its own compost extracts loaded with tiny microbes capable of naturally recycling nitrogen which is vital to plant life.

Estate director Nick Padwick studying soil samples under a microscope at Wild Ken Hill in west NorfolkEstate director Nick Padwick studying soil samples under a microscope at Wild Ken Hill in west Norfolk (Image: Chris Hill) By scaling up compost applications across the farm, Wild Ken Hill says it has nourished its soils to the point where key biological processes are now self-sustaining.

As a result, the farm is now almost completely free of pesticides and fertilisers, and can officially start the two-year process of becoming organic.

Estate bosses said this means the entire site is now managed for nature – including the arable farmland. 

Farm director Nick Padwick, whose extensive soil studies made him the first UK farmer to become a Soil Food Web Consultant in 2023, said being able to bring organic produce to market is a welcome by-product of this process.

“To wean ourselves off chemicals is a fantastic milestone," he said. "It’s a great sign of how we have learnt to work with nature and not against it.

"We’re now looking forward to going through the conversion process and bringing organic produce to market from 2026.”

Farming at Wild Ken Hill in west NorfolkFarming at Wild Ken Hill in west Norfolk (Image: Wild Ken Hill) “Organic” is a legally-protected term requiring produce to meet specific standards, particularly around the use of pesticides and fertiliser. 

Helen Browning, chief executive of the Soil Association, the UK’s leading organic farming organisation, said: “It has been a delight to watch the journey that Wild Ken Hill has been on these past few years.

"Their efforts, incorporating wildlife and plant diversity into their business, are living proof that food production and nature can thrive in perfect harmony together.

"The farm already embodies the values of organic in prioritising the health of soils, ecosystems and people, so I am thrilled they are joining the movement."