Cotswold mill champions farming that boosts biodiversity

Matthews Cotswold Flour is backing the first-ever British Regenerative Farming Week, which runs from September 12–19 and is designed to champion agricultural practices that protect natural landscapes and support long-term food security.

The company, one of the UK’s oldest family-run flour mills, currently offers 13 regenerative flours and aims to source 100 per cent regeneratively grown grain by 2030.

Bertie Matthews, managing director and eighth-generation member of the Matthews family, said: “British Regenerative Farming Week is an important opportunity to recognise the work farmers are doing to build healthier, more resilient farming systems while continuing to produce high-quality food.

“At Matthews, we work directly with British farmers to measure progress across soil health, carbon, biodiversity, water, inputs, and food security.

“These long-term partnerships support farmers, strengthen our future grain supply, and provide bakers with traceable, consistently high-quality flour.”

The company’s Cotswold Grain Partnership is a key part of its regenerative strategy, working closely with farmers to promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and develop hyper-local food networks that reduce food miles.

Examples include its collaboration with Lockerley Estate and Preston Farms in Hampshire, where wheat grown regeneratively is milled and used locally, including at 108 The Bakery in Romsey.