Wimpole Estate responds to the impact of drought by planning for a drier future
- Published:
- 27 August 2026
The National Trust’s largest organic in-hand working farm is facing a hay shortage due to drought conditions, a challenge faced by many farmers. Located close to one of the driest areas in the UK, Wimpole Estate is already using winter feed supplies months earlier than usual. Severe drought has reduced hay, grain and straw production, increased wildfire risk, damaged habitats and placed additional pressure on farming operations. Plans are underway to adapt to a changing climate through improved water management, alternative crop and forage varieties, woodland and hedgerow restoration, and resilient livestock breeding.
The National Trust’s largest organic in‑hand farm (1200 hectares / 2500 acres) at Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire is facing severe drought impacts for the third time in five years — prompting urgent action to build long‑term climate resilience across the estate.
With 71.3% of England now in drought and Wimpole lying just 14 miles from Histon, the driest place in the UK this year, the estate is experiencing sharply reduced productivity. Hay meadows that normally produce 150 tonnes have yielded nothing, forcing livestock onto winter feed months early. Grain yields are down by around 25%, and straw production has fallen from 200 bales to just 60. Grass growth has stalled, wildlife habitats are under pressure, and invasive species such as ragwort and thistles are spreading rapidly in the dry conditions.
Drought is also affecting soil health, with cracking ground, erosion and declining levels of organic matter reducing the land’s ability to recover. Veteran trees are showing signs of stress, and disrupted weather patterns are creating mismatches between flowering plants and pollinating insects — with consequences for both biodiversity and food production. Wildfire risk has increased too, highlighted by a recent field fire sparked by machinery striking flint in parched soil.
Dave Hassall, National Trust Farm & Countryside Manager, said: “Drought affects every part of the system — crops, grassland, livestock, wildlife and costs. We’re already using winter feed because summer growth simply hasn’t happened. These pressures are being felt across all farming systems, and they show why adapting to a changing climate is essential for food production, nature and rural communities.”
To respond, Wimpole is accelerating a programme of climate adaptation. Since 2021, the estate has planted 125,000 trees, 35ha of woodland and 52ha of wood pasture to improve shade, soil health, moisture retention and habitat resilience. A further 77ha of tree planting is in detailed design. Conservation grazing continues to reduce wildfire risk and support habitat restoration, while selective breeding is helping livestock cope better with dry conditions.
The estate is trialling alternative forage sources such as willow and aspen, exploring more drought‑tolerant crop varieties, and improving soil structure and water retention. Water management is also a priority: new funding from Water Efficiency Cambridge (weCB) will increase rainwater storage for the historic Soane Glasshouse, saving around 71 litres of water per day.
Dave added: “Wimpole has adapted for 2,000 years — and that spirit continues. We welcome recent Government support for farmers, but long‑term resilience requires sustained investment in nature and climate adaptation. We cannot do this alone.”
The National Trust is calling on Government to make climate resilience a national mission, led at Cabinet level, to invest in nature as essential infrastructure and to support fire and rescue services. Members of the public can back this call by signing the Trust’s petition: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wildfire-petition