Meet the Makers: The Farmers Behind Blue Carbon Farming
What is Blue Carbon Farming?
Blue Carbon Farming is a nature-friendly approach to farming that works in harmony with wetlands, salt marshes, and coastal ecosystems. These environments capture and store carbon, helping to combat climate change while supporting wildlife. At Steart Marshes, our farmers play a vital role in managing the land sustainably, producing high-quality beef while preserving the unique landscape.
Meet the Farmers
Andy: From Early Years Education to Farming Life
Andy didn’t start his career in farming. After working in Early Years Education, he found himself drawn back to the family farm. Having spent his summers working on farms around Somerset, it was a natural transition.
For Andy, the best part of farming is the opportunity it has given him—bringing him home to his family, allowing him to meet people from all over the world, and being part of a community that shares a love for food and the land.
But farming comes with its challenges too. “It can be a real tie; farmers aren’t good at getting away at the best of times—there’s always more to be done!”
At Steart Marshes, Andy finds inspiration in the space, the sounds, and the wildlife that call it home. And when it comes to the farm’s Salt Marsh Beef? Nothing beats a Low & Slow Joint, served with tacos, guacamole, tzatziki, and a few cold beers.
Matt: From the Isle of Wight to Steart Marshes
Matt’s farming journey started on the Isle of Wight, where he worked on a local farm and developed a love for working with animals—especially cows. His passion led him to Harper Adams University in Shropshire and a placement on Europe’s largest dairy farm in Portugal.
For Matt, nothing beats working with animals, being outdoors, and watching the sunrise on early mornings! He also takes great pride in helping others build careers in farming. “Hearing about my previous apprentices running their own herds is incredibly rewarding.”
But farming isn’t always idyllic—bad weather days and the relentless 24/7 nature of the job can be tough, especially when balancing family life.
Having lived in the heart of Steart Marshes for 20 years, Matt has seen firsthand how the landscape has changed with the creation of the WWT Steart Salt Marsh. Raising his family in such a beautiful, rural setting is something he values deeply.
And when it comes to Salt Marsh Beef, Matt’s go-to is a succulent sirloin steak—served with chips, onion rings, and mushrooms. “Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!”
Sam: A Lifetime on the Farm
Sam grew up on his family farm and, after studying Agriculture & Land Management, returned home in his early twenties to farm full-time.
For him, farming is an all-consuming experience—throwing constant challenges his way. But that’s exactly what he loves about it. “Every year it feels like you’ll never get there, but you always pull through. The arrival of spring and seeing the farm come to life is magic!“
On the flip side, long, cold, wet winters and ever-changing government farming policies make things difficult. “We’re always being told we should be doing things differently, which can be frustrating.”
Sam’s connection to Steart Marshes runs deep—his family has farmed there since 1984. “We’ve come full circle—having farmed intensively for 40 years, we’re now transitioning to a more wild and extensive style of farming.”
His favourite cut of Blue Carbon Farming Salt Marsh Beef? A Fillet Steak for himself, Brisket for his wife Natalie, and a Sirloin Steak for their son, Farmer Joe.
Celebrating the People Behind the Farm
Farming isn’t just about the land or the livestock—it’s about the people who dedicate their lives to it. Andy, Sam, and Matt each bring their own experiences, challenges and passion to Blue Carbon Farming, helping to produce some of the most unique and sustainable beef in the UK.
This #MeetTheMakers Month, we’re raising a glass (and maybe a steak) to the hardworking farmers behind the food on our plates!