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Farmer Mark Banham has been looking after sheep for over thirty years, ever since he helped out on the neighbouring farm to his childhood home in a small Sussex village. Mark had a keen interest in natural history and wildlife
during his childhood years, when he looked forward each week to the local
natural history club meeting, and this developed into a passion for the
traditional British countryside and its natural inhabitants. |
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| After working as a shepherd/stockman for several years, Mark decided to
pursue a career in farm management, undertaking a course at the Surrey County
Agricultural College, Merrist Wood. Upon his successful graduation, Mark
held several full shepherd positions, including Head Shepherd of the Knepp
Castle estate near Horsham, Sussex, which carried 2200 breeding ewes plus
a milking flock. In 1989, Mark started his own business with 250 ewes and lambs, and a contract fencing and shearing service. A few years later, Mark spent 6 months working in New Zealand as a sheep shearer. |
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It was as a fencing contractor that Mark stumbled upon Shabden Park Farm in 1994, when he was asked to quote for fencing for the new farm and Countryside Stewardship Scheme. It was Mark's first view of the Shabden valley which inspired him to apply for the tenancy of the new farm, relishing the opportunity to create and manage a traditional chalk downland farm, all the more worthy for its proximity to London. Mark came to Shabden Park Farm in 1995, bringing his flock and business and, over the past 10 years, Mark has patiently and delicately restored the traditional landscape of the Shabden estate and recreated the diminishing chalk grassland habitats of many plants and animal species. And with continuous management, we hope to encourage to return more species lost from the area through intensive farming, and to sustain this vulnerable piece of traditional countryside for quiet enjoyment and promoting environmentally-sustainable farming. |
| Mark's great hobby is sheep dog trialling, and he has been competing since 1986. Mark has bred and trained sheep dogs and supplied them to farmers all over the country and is recognised as a judge across Europe and America. Mark lives at Shabden with his partner Kirstie, who helps with farm business, coordinates the sales of meat from the farm and hosts school visits, and children Sam and Tui. You'll often see Mark on the farm with his border collie sheepdogs, checking over the flock. Be sure to wave or say hello! |
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