Establishing a diversified market garden, agroforestry and orchard at Upton Growers
Case study showing how a farming couple have diversified their farm business to include a market garden, agroforestry and a traditional orchard.
Overview
Upton Growers are new tenants of a 2.5ha site on the Mappercombe Estate at Uploders, West Dorset. The site was previously made up of two arable fields which slope down to the River Asker, and a flatter, stony area to the northeast. The applicant had extensive experience of market gardening in the Cotswolds, but this was the first time they were setting up by themselves, and were looking for support to establish a system following a holistic, nature-friendly approach rooted in low-input farming principles.
The project helped the applicant to transition from arable fields to market garden, by funding them to add agroforestry strips to minimal tillage vegetable beds and planting an orchard, and through investment in a pump and irrigation system and a polytunnel. Additionally, FiPL support contributed to laying and gapping up an existing hedge.
FiPL grant awarded: £15,354
Other sources of funding: applicant’s own funds
The project aimed to increase biodiversity of two arable fields, decrease soil erosion, protect the River Asker, reduce risk of flooding, and support new nature-friendly horticultural enterprise. The project contributes towards the Climate these by reducing flood risk, improving soil health and sequestering carbon as well as to the Nature theme by improved connectivity and better management of existing hedgerow.
The creation of the orchard, agroforestry practices and a market garden supports a new small farming enterprise and therefore delivered the Place objective to increase the resilience of nature friendly sustainable farm businesses.
– 160 hazel, alder, willow, hawthorn, spindle, field maple, birch, walnut and cobnut were planted in the agroforestry strips as a mixture for coppice and woodchip, for food and habitat for wildlife, and for timber.
– 68 trees were planted in a traditional orchard style including local variety apples on non-dwarfing rootstock, pears, plums and cherries.
– 173 metres of hedges were laid and 24m hedge gap replanted
– A polytunnel was installed
– A rainwater harvesting system was installed to utilise more efficient irrigation facilities
– A solar irrigation pump was installed to access water from the river
These last 3 items were funded at 40% intervention from FiPL as they do deliver a business benefit. All other items were funded at Countryside Stewardship rates.
The project was successfully completed in February 2026. With the installation of the new polytunnel and rainwater harvesting system, Upton Growers have seen positive results in their first growing season, with several outlets for produce set up.
Around 40 volunteers attended the tree planting day at Upton Growers in Uploders, showcasing the community spirit of the village.
The orchard and agroforestry have increased biodiversity on site, also contributing to an enhanced landscape character.
The applicant was very experienced in market gardening, and had a very clear idea of their plan for the business, and already had local contacts for routes to market.
An initial plan for adding poultry in the orchard to the scheme was discounted because of complications around Bird Flu restrictions and housing. This may be added later if possible.
Applicant already had planning permission for the poly tunnel in place, had considered water abstraction and land drainage consent rules and had consulted with neighbours. All of which made applying to FiPL easier.
Similarly the tree planting involved in this project was less than 0.5ha in area so did not require an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping study.
“The FiPL grant has been a huge help in getting us started on this long journey of growing food for the local community and regenerating the land.” (Spencer Upton)