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When Dagan James took over his grandfather’s farm 24 years ago, he and his wife Jess saw it as an opportunity to change how the land was being farmed, creating space for nature on what had been an intensive arable farm. Instead of growing wheat, they chose to plant grassland and rear livestock for meat, with the aim of helping with nature restoration.

Rather than rear more traditional livestock such as cattle or sheep, the couple made a somewhat surprising choice: to invest in a herd of water buffalo. These robust animals are brilliant eco-engineers, and have helped to turn the five hundred acre farm into a home for birds, insects and other wildlife. But they aren’t the easiest animals to farm – as Charlotte Smith finds out.

In this programme, Charlotte hears about the highs and lows of this family’s farming journey with water buffalo, learns about their decision to return to some more traditional forms of agriculture, and discovers how diversification into holding events at the farm has been integral to keeping the food production side of the business going.

Producer: Jo Peacey