Championing Women Farmers

We are delighted that our tenant farmer Janet Smalley is celebrated in a new exhibition which shines a spotlight on the crucial impact of women in farming. The exhibition, titled Empowering Women: Champions of Upland Farming, has been curated by Tarja Wilson of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Team and will be hosted at Clitheroe Castle and the Hodder Valley Show in September. It celebrates the pivotal role of women in the success of family farms across the Forest of Bowland and highlights their essential skills and contributions to upland farming communities.

Janet and her husband Andrew run Wood End Farm in Dunsop Bridge, a 1,300-acre upland farm owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. Alongside her parents, sister Alison, and son Tom, Janet works with a diverse mix of livestock including sheep, cattle, and a growing herd of alpacas.

Janet has become a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, recently introducing a rotational grazing programme designed to improve soil quality, increase biodiversity, and enhance long-term land resilience.

“I’m slightly obsessed with soil,” she admits. “We started rotational grazing two years ago and are already seeing improvements in grass productivity and root strength. Healthier soil leads to healthier animals—and ultimately, healthier people.”

The family has also welcomed Belted Galloway cattle, a hardy native breed that thrives outdoors year-round, contributing to more natural and sustainable livestock management. Meanwhile, her sister Alison leads the farm’s alpaca tourism venture, which offers walks, school visits, and other educational opportunities, enriching local community connections and creating new income streams.

Alastair Martin, CEO of the Duchy of Lancaster, commented:

“The Duchy of Lancaster is proud to support and champion the work of women in farming. Janet Smalley embodies the best of upland farming: a deep respect for the land, a commitment to innovation, and a strong sense of community. Her work on regenerative practices not only improves the health and sustainability of the farm but also aligns closely with the Duchy’s long-term environmental stewardship goals. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

As we look to the future of sustainable agriculture, inspiring stories like Janet’s demonstrate how passion, knowledge, and family collaboration can ensure resilient, thriving rural communities.