Farm visit: Hampden Bottom Farm, Buckinghamshire
Farm visits help us to better understand how farmers work and what’s important to them. In this post, I'd like to share what I learned during my visit to Hampden Bottom Farm in Buckinghamshire.
Rob is a Senior Policy Adviser in the Environmental Land Management Advice team. The team is responsible for developing policy for the delivery of advice for the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery schemes.
Rob grew up on his family dairy farm in Cheshire. He has worked within Defra group since 2002, firstly as an inspector for the Rural Payments Agency, and then in adviser and leadership roles in Natural England. He moved into the Environmental Land Management team in 2018, and uses his background in agriculture and delivery experience to inform policy design.
Farm visits help us to better understand how farmers work and what’s important to them. In this post, I'd like to share what I learned during my visit to Hampden Bottom Farm in Buckinghamshire.
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Team.
On this blog, we explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.
We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved. Find out more

Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
Meet the team in September

9–10 September Westmorland Show at Lane Farm, Crooklands, near Kendal, Cumbria.
12 September Romsey Show at Broadlands Estate, Romsey, Hampshire.
16 September UK Dairy Day at Telford International Centre, Telford, Shropshire.
19 September Isle of Wight Ploughing Match at Isle of Wight, Hampshire.
26 September Southwell Ploughing Match and Show at Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending in 2026

The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.

Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
From 6 April 2026, qualifying agricultural and business assets will continue to receive full inheritance tax relief up to a combined value of £2.5 million. Lower relief rates will apply to assets above this amount. Learn more

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