How it works

Land is a finite and precious resource. Yet every year thousands of acres of fertile soil are lost to development and the intensification of agriculture.

With the average age of UK farmers at 58 and increasing, and with one in four claiming they do not have anybody to leave their farm to, farms are sold, often to provide for retirement and family, and often amalgamated into larger farms.

With the passing of each generation, valuable knowledge and skills can be lost. And where farms grow in size, they favour increased specialisation and mechanisation, often reducing the number of livelihoods they support.

The Soil Association Land Trust safeguards legacies of productive land, providing a safe haven and preventing land being lost from farming and growing. Land is donated by retiring farmers and landowners, often those with no dependents, who wish to see their life’s work continue into the future.  

Their generosity means not only can we keep land for farming and growing but we can also provide opportunities for people to enter farming, often for the first time.  

The Land Trust is part of the Soil Association family and is governed by its own Articles and its own Board of Trustees.

We know that deciding to leave land in trust can raise difficult questions about things like family expectations, health, security, finance and retirement. We are always happy to talk about potential gifts in confidence with no obligation.