What happens when the people who own the land stop caring about it? In this final episode of the year, George Hosford returns with a fierce warning about farmland, legacy and the future of British agriculture. There’s also hope – in the form of a new beekeeping centre in Shillingstone, a pioneering housing project near Bridport, and even a delightfully furious festive Grumbler. It’s Dorset at its most thoughtful, practical and sharp. Hit play.
The Frustrated Farmer returns: George Hosford says “If you don’t care about the land, you shouldn’t own it.”
This month, George is angry – and rightly so. As public support payments disappear and corporate investors quietly sell up, a new crisis is brewing: farmland is being snapped up by those with no connection to it, and no interest in what happens next.
In another powerful interview, George makes the case for long-term stewardship over short-term gain – and explains why land ownership rules need urgent reform if we’re to protect Britain’s food, soil and future.
He says that we have people buying farmland who don’t want to farm, don’t want to engage with local communities, and don’t care what happens to the land – and why that should worry everyone.
Bees and the Big Build: A new chapter in Shillingstone
Jenny speaks to Ian Condon about the new eco-friendly North Dorset Beekeepers’ Centre – complete with honey warmers, public displays and a demonstration hive window for curious visitors.
💬 “We’ve built something special – a teaching centre, a community space, and a love letter to bees.”
Hope at West Farm: new beginnings for Dorset’s hidden homeless
Jill Cook from Salvation Army Homes explains how a new supported housing project near Bridport will offer not just shelter but space, safety and purpose to vulnerable young people.
💬 “You can’t fix homelessness with a roof alone. This is about roots, growth and confidence.”
The Grumbler Returns: Christmas, 1874-style
Boot-losing mud, weaponised wassailing, and nutcrackers no one asked for – our festive Grumbler has thoughts.
I love you George, well done for speaking up, and well done BV for publishing
I spend a hell of a lot of time on farmland due to my hobby of metal detecting and it is an absolute crime and travesty what this pathetic, out of touch government are doing to our farmers. I know how hard they all work and the importance of that work to every single one of us. All we can do is offer solidarity with the farmers every time we possibly can.