Hadleigh show 2025

The 2025 Hadleigh Show proved to be a resounding success for the CCGC team, who met over 300 visitors who wanted to learn more about our collaborative, farmer-led landscape project.

A shared vision for the countryside

The event provided the perfect platform to showcase the power of collaboration among neighbouring farmers and landowners. Many visitors commented on how the project exemplifies what can be achieved when the local community works together — as one farmer put it, “when we put two and two together, we get six or seven, not just four.”

There was unanimous support for the idea that cooperation across farm boundaries can deliver genuine, landscape-scale improvements — benefitting both people and wildlife.

Spotlight on Deer Management

One of the liveliest topics of discussion was deer management. Visitors shared their own experiences, with several raising concerns about the increasing damage caused by muntjac. “They’re everywhere — even in my garden!” was a recurring comment. There was a clear recognition that more proactive and coordinated action is needed to manage deer populations and protect both crops and habitats.

Positive energy and long-term commitment

Every visitor who stopped by the stand expressed positivity about the project’s aims and methods. Many were particularly impressed by the long-term vision and the willingness of farmers to dedicate productive land for environmental gain — a commitment not taken lightly, especially during times of political and economic uncertainty.

The public also appreciated how farming has come full circle: from the 1960s and 70s trend of hedge removal and ditch filling, to today’s renewed focus on replanting, restoration, and ecological enhancement. There was strong support for the principle of making the best land more profitable for food production, while using lesser-quality areas to improve biodiversity and create thriving habitats.

One visitor shared their thoughts:

“This might not affect us day-to-day, but when we come out of town into south Suffolk at weekends, this is exactly what we want to see — a countryside that’s alive, healthy, and full of wildlife.”

Feedback from the public was very positive and this year's Hadleigh Show has left the CCGC team feeling encouraged and inspired. The day really highlighted a shared belief that by working together, farmers and local communities can create a wilder, more resilient countryside — one that supports food and nature for generations to come.