National Trust forced to use winter feed months early due to drought

Drought conditions have left a National Trust estate facing a hay shortage, with stalling grass growth forcing livestock onto winter feed months early.

The conservation charity revealed that meadows at Cambridgeshire 's Wimpole Estate, which usually generate 150 tonnes of hay, have yielded nothing.

Marking the site's third major drought in five years, conservationists are speeding up climate resilience projects.

These schemes encompass tree planting , enhanced rainwater retention, and conservation grazing to restore habitats and curb wildfire risks.

The National Trust said selective breeding is also helping livestock cope better with dry conditions.

Dave Hassall, National Trust farm and 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.”

The National Trust said Wimpole Estate is its largest organic in‑hand farm, with 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of land.

Grain yields are down by around 25%, and straw production has fallen from 200 bales to just 60.

Wildlife habitats are under pressure, with invasive species such as ragwort and thistles spreading rapidly in the dry conditions, and soil health has suffered with cracked ground.

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.

Efforts are under way to help the estate adapt in the face of climate change, with 125,000 trees planted since 2021 to improve shade, soil health, moisture retention and habitat resilience.

The estate is trialling alternative forage sources such as willow and aspen, and exploring more drought‑tolerant crop varieties.