Beyond Nature celebrates 10th anniversary with Scow Hall Farm tenancy extension (1)

Yorkshire Water’s pioneering Beyond Nature® programme, which supports sustainable farming, protects raw water quality, and helps the next generation of farmers thrive, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

One of the key successes of the initiative has been its Next Generation Farming Programme, launched in 2021 to champion innovative, low-impact farming while delivering benefits for customers, communities and the environment,

Rob McAneney was the winner of a competitive tender by the Beyond Nature® programme, to become the tenant farmer of Scow Hall Farm in Norwood, North Yorkshire in 2021.

The original model was a five-year tenancy, but since taking over the management of the 85-hectare farm, located within the Swinsty reservoir catchment, he has transformed the farm into a thriving, low intensity, and environmentally focused enterprise. Rob has had such success; his tenancy has now been extended by 11 years so he can continue this work.

His tenancy was extended in no small part due to key achievements in livestock and sustainable land management, such as growing a sheep flock from 60 to 180 breeding ewes, rearing 120 calves a year sourced from dairy farms and starting a pedigree English longhorn cattle herd starting from 20 cows to 10 breeding cows and a bull.

Rob has also introduced some major improvements to eliminate Agri run-off, improve soil health and encourage sustainable farming practices.  These include eliminating inorganic fertilisers for three years and improving soil health, planting new woodland and fencing watercourses to protect rivers and reservoirs and entering 70 hectares into the national Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot.

He has also implemented 4000m of new fencing to allow more efficient grazing, 200m drystone walling repairs, 15 new gates and gateway maintenance.  He’s introduced 12 acres of wild-flower meadow creation and installed sheep slats into one shed to house sheep over winter, which gives the land a much-needed rest and recovery period.

Combined, these changes are helping to reduce pollution risks, improve soil quality and create more diverse habitats—supporting Yorkshire Water’s goal of delivering high-quality drinking water with less treatment.

Lisa Harrowsmith, lead surveyor at Yorkshire Water’s land & property team, said: “Rob and social media favourites, border collies, Jip and Nell, are working with us to demonstrate how land can be sustainably managed to protect and improve watercourses, enhance biodiversity, increase carbon storage and support a resilient and profitable farming business.

 "Scow Hall Farm demonstrates how productive farming and environmental improvement can work together. By giving tenants the confidence of a longer-term agreement, we can support investment in farming businesses that deliver benefits for water quality, biodiversity and local communities. This reflects the ambitions of our Beyond Nature® programme to create resilient landscapes that work for both people and nature."

The Next Generation Farming Programme is designed to open up opportunities for young farmers, helping them build sustainable businesses while contributing to the long-term health of the environment.

By extending the tenancy, Yorkshire Water is enabling continued investment in the farm, including further habitat creation, infrastructure improvements and new diversified income streams such as direct-to-consumer produce and education visits.

Rob McAneney, Scow Hall Farm tenant, said: "The tenancy extension gives us the confidence to plan for the future and continue investing in the farm. We've worked hard to improve the land, soil health, habitats and infrastructure while maintaining a viable livestock business, and we're excited about what we can achieve over the next decade."

Scow Hall Farm forms part of Yorkshire Water’s wider Beyond Nature® approach, which takes a holistic view of land management—bringing together water, nature, farming and communities.

Through this approach, the farm is already delivering:

• Improved water quality through reduced sediment and nutrient runoff
• Increased biodiversity, including habitats for priority species such as curlew and lapwing
• Woodland creation and natural regeneration to store carbon
• Restoration of traditional features like drystone walls
• Opportunities for public access, education and community engagement

Yorkshire Water’s Beyond Nature® programme is built on collaboration—working closely with tenants, partners and local communities to deliver lasting benefits across its landholdings.

The continued partnership at Scow Hall Farm demonstrates how sustainable farming and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand—helping to secure clean water, thriving ecosystems and resilient rural businesses for years to come.