Stories of change
“Real change happens when clarity meets commitment. The stories below show what becomes possible when people reconnect land, community, and vision.”
Each of these projects started with a conversation, and grew into something impactful.
Explore a few examples of what regenerative work can look like, in practice.
Common Land Facilitation Project
Bampton Common - Cumbria
The challenge:
Bampton Common is a 2,500 hectare Lake District upland common on the shores of Haweswater. The Commoners Association wanted to apply for a new ‘Section 38’ consent for temporary fencing to enable nature regeneration whilst enabling continued sheep grazing, recreational access and preservation of archaeology.
The approach:
Throughout using Open Conversations to understand the needs of various groups starting with the commoners and landowners, then expanding out to other interest groups. This resulted in a considerately designed proposal which was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.
The result:
All stakeholders feeling heard and understood.
A suitably designed scheme for such a multifunctional landscape.
The opportunity for nature recovery alongside continued agro-pastoralism.
“At the Foundation for Common Land we have worked with Henry over the last 12 months on a complex piece of facilitation work to enhance outcomes for nature and farming businesses. We have been delighted with how Henry handled the matter, good value for money and great outcomes.”
Julia Aglionby, Executive Director, Foundation for Common Land
Food System Facilitation Project
AFN Network+ FlexFund – National to Local Agroecology
The challenge:
How do we adapt a national agroecology model (Farming for Change, FFCC) into something locally useful in North Lancashire?
The approach:
We ran open conversations with key stakeholders (FFCC, Small World Consulting, UK CEH), then designed and facilitated a non-technical workshop with 22 cross-sector attendees.
The result:
Broad support for a localised model
Agreement that story-driven, accessible outputs are vital
Next phase: data mapping + relocalisation facilitation
“You did a really good job of hosting, very personable and inclusive.”
Rob Bunn, Pasture for Life
Regenerative Farming Project
North Aston Farms – Oxfordshire
The challenge:
A 900-acre organic farm with multiple enterprises wanted clarity on profitability, purpose, and long-term direction.
The approach:
We used Holistic Management to create a custom Holistic Context for the family team, clarified short- and medium-term goals, and built decision-making tools (e.g. grazing, land use, profit tracking).
The result:
New enterprise targets
Strategic clarity for the next 3–7 years
A stronger alignment between values, land, and profit
“Very good facilitator, bringing his own experiences of running a business and understanding the complexities that entails - very helpful!”
James Taylor, North Aston Farms
Regenerative Financial Review Project
Horticulture SME Regenerative Financial Review
The challenge:
Carry out ‘high level’ financial assessment of company data to identify areas for financial uplift / security going forwards.
The approach:
Open Conversation at the outset followed by an assessment of the last seven years’ financials to identify and report trends and opportunities. This was concluded with an Open Conversation around the findings and enabling the client to move forward with greater clarity.
The result:
Report identifying trends, observations and recommendations.
Renewed clarity on where opportunities exist moving forward.
“Henry’s thoughtful analysis and recommendations gave us fresh insight, prompting fruitful discussion in our Management meetings and options for a way forward. Thank you Henry for your support.”
Neil M, Business Owner
Research & Insights Project
Small World Consulting – UK Farming & Land Use Paper
The challenge:
To bring real-world regenerative farming insight to Small World Consulting’s farming and land use paper; helping to shape national food system dialogues.
The approach:
We contributed Holistic Management insights, a view on ecosystem processes (water, soil, biodiversity) and context on rural societal challenges to bring additional perspectives to the farming and land use paper.
The result:
A report that considered the impacts of different farming practices on the water and mineral cycles, biodiversity and energy flow, in addition to carbon accounting.
A clear, grounded narrative that speaks to a wide audience including farmers, policymakers, food industry professionals and citizens.
"Henry enhanced our report with his practical farming insights and other wide-ranging experience, including his connections with several agroecological farming networks in the UK. This work kick-started our exciting journey with Russell Regen, which has allowed us to advance our company’s knowledge and tools to support the agroecological transition, and provided opportunities to engage with and support new clients from across the country."
Dmitry Yumashev, Land Use Lead, Small World Consulting
