We are organic which fundamentally ensures that our farming practices are nature friendly.

A Bala farmer has met with industry leaders from across the UK to hail the “fantastic opportunity” presented by Brexit for

Geraint Davies, a farmer of 20 years at Fedwarian hill farm just outside Bala, joined about 100 of his peers to launch the Nature Friendly Farming Network to call upon the government for positive policy change in favour of sustainable farming practices in the wake of Brexit.

“Brexit is a fantastic opportunity to make something new that can work for both farmers and nature. Producing food and protecting the natural environment go hand-in-hand.

Mr Davies and his wife Rachael has been certified organic since 2005 and has 1,000 breeding ewes, 200 replacements and predominantly Welsh Black 40 suckler cows

The farm covers grassland, woodland and blanket bog on the mountain, with 80% of the land being a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Mr Davies said: “Farmers are absolutely key to protecting nature. We are responsible for managing this landscape. All stakeholder groups talking about protecting nature need to have farmers onboard. These groups need to know there are farmers also working on this.

“The biggest threats to British farmers post Brexit is uncertainty in terms of trade and the future support system for less intensive farming systems.

“If we have to intensify in order to stay on the land it may come at the cost of the environment. We must secure the future of Britain’s farms and in doing so our natural environment.

“We strongly believe that livestock may be used as an effective land management tool and have recently started grazing cattle on our mountain to restore grassland habitats.

As part of an organic approach, Mr Davies works closely with conservation charity the RSPB, and has planted 15km of hedgerows including native species of trees, providing food and habitats for both wildlife and livestock.

Mr Davies added: “For me, one thing that stands out is that we all need to be sitting around a table together. This is a UK-wide issue and not just a local issue. It is critical that like-minded producers work together but even more important that we engage with those who do not necessarily agree.”