A farm in north Dorset has been teaching its local MP all about nature-friendly farming.

MP Simon Hoare has praised a leading countryside charity for its plans to 'restore nature and increase biodiversity' during a visit of its Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone. 

Mr Hoare told the Countryside Regeneration Trust (the CRT) that 'we all need to play a part in this collective endeavour'. 

The CRT has now urged Mr Hoare, who is the Conservative MP for North Dorset, to tackle some of the challenges facing the rural economy. 

Elaine Spencer White with North Dorset MP Simon Hoare at Bere Marsh FarmElaine Spencer White with North Dorset MP Simon Hoare at Bere Marsh Farm (Image: CRT) The MP previously visited Bere Marsh Farm two years ago and was able to see a Mountain Ash (Rowan Tree) he planted, as well as enjoying a tour of the farm and meeting hard-working volunteers. 

He said: "It was fantastic to see the tree (Mountain Ash) I planted thriving.  

“It is so encouraging to see the energy and commitment in the CRT volunteers, how they are working hard to restore nature, increase biodiversity and providing real examples of not only how it can be done but that it can be done. We can all play our part in this collective endeavour." 

Elaine Spencer-White, farm manager, asked Mr Hoare some open questions about support for farmers in the future. 

She said: "I discussed the need for food security and the balance between nature recovery and sustainably produced food.

MP Simon Hoare at Bere Marsh Farm with volunteersMP Simon Hoare at Bere Marsh Farm with volunteers (Image: CRT) "Mr Hoare was very supportive of our plans here and appreciates how small-scale food production for farm gate sales adds value to the local economy. 

"He wished us well with our plans for a market garden." 

Hannah Bosence, volunteer manager for Bere Marsh Farm, said it was good for Mr Hoare to meet with CRT volunteers, who do so much work on the farm and help CRT staff to improve wildlife habitats by carrying out conservation projects. 

She added: "MP Simon Hoare chatted with the BMF volunteers and was very complimentary of their work. It's wonderful to see their hard work acknowledged as we couldn't do it without them.”