When I think about life as a farmer and life for someone involved fieldsports, it strikes me just how intertwined they are. Both have the power to shape the people who live and breathe a rural way of life and for those whom the countryside is more than just a job. Farming and field sports give a unique sense of purpose, identity and pride. It’s all about connection—to the land, to the animals, and to the people who make this life what it is.

Growing up, I was surrounded by every facet of farming life – being brought up on a mixed farm in the heart of the Vale of York was idyllic but also gave a grounding and a sense of realism that is so integral to a farming way of life.

I went away to study at the University of Cambridge, completed a Masters at the Royal Agricultural University and worked in a couple of rural roles. In what feels like a full circle, I now work full time on the family farm. Many things have changed but what hasn’t is that feeling of being connected to nature, being part of something that is much bigger than ourselves.  

Changing Narratives—Women Leading the Way 

Traditionally, both agriculture and field sports have been male-dominated. The path that women have carved out has been predominantly hidden, despite the fact that they have formed the backbone of these industries for many centuries. But I really do believe that times are changing. We all have a responsibility to call out bad attitudes, misogyny or unfair treatment but women are increasingly making their mark. I feel that social media has given the people at the harsh end of the farming and field sports sectors the ability to share their story. Importantly, they are sharing their story from their own perspective, removing the room for misinformation or misconstruction of the truth. Movements like The Country Girls UK are leading the way in helping to break down barriers, creating a sense of community and offering accessible opportunities that make the countryside more inclusive.

Giving women the opportunity to just be there isn’t enough though… it’s about making sure that women are heard and empowered to build the skills to thrive and excel. I often say that I hope through my social media platform, young women can see other young women in farming and it is this presence and visibility itself that helps to challenge outdated perceptions.

I’m also about to launch a new podcast alongside Cumbria dairy farmer, Charlotte Ashley. She’s a brilliant example of a hard-working and inspiration female farmer and I’m proud to stand alongside her as we fly the flag for farming and a rural way of life. I know that the episodes that we create will be grounded in our experience of country life, sparking meaningful conversations that connect farmers and non-farmers, shedding light on the biggest challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture.

A Social Lifeline in a Rural World 

One of the biggest things both farming and field sports can give to people is a sense of belonging. Rural life can be isolating. But whether I’m chatting with farmers at market or you’re swapping stories on a shoot day, there’s a mutual understanding about the way of life and the challenges that you’re facing. Indeed, perhaps more widely, many farmers see field sports as a way to unwind and relax, enjoying being outside but being able to take time away from the farm and the responsibilities that come with it. I always say it’s important to find your hobby, whatever it is.

I think this social connection that can be made in the countryside has been reinforced through the conversations I have online. Social media has brought together people who are interested in the countryside from across not just the country, but the world, to form a community for both knowledge sharing and friendship.

It’s been incredible to convey the highs and lows of farming life to people who genuinely care about the countryside. The support and encouragement I’ve received from both people in agriculture but also the public has been invaluable. For me, it’s about being real and honest online because, let’s face it, there are days when everything goes wrong! By showing the realities, I hope I can create a sense of solidarity for farmers facing challenges.

Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability 

There’s often a misconception that farmers don’t care about the environment or that our livestock are responsible for global warming. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re outside day after day, seeing firsthand how wildlife interacts with farmland, how habitats change, and how careful management makes a difference. People who work in field sports are no different – estates and land used for field sports is managed with the long term in mind, prioritising biodiversity and wildlife across often extremely rugged and complex landscapes.

When it comes to farming, it’s not just about yield at all costs. In fact, we want to keep doing more to maintain, protect and improve the nature on our farms, and we’re investing wherever we can to reduce our impact on the environment through efficiency improvements and innovation. However, as farmers are increasingly subjected to the unfairness of the supply chain, food production becomes more and more financially unsustainable. If farmers can only aim for survival of their farming businesses which care for so much of the land across our country, aspirations for environmental improvements will surely be forced to fall by the wayside. With the right support though, and stability in government policy, both farming and field sports can play a key role in creating spaces where nature thrives alongside practical land use.  

Our Faithful Companions 

Dogs are at the heart of both farming and field sports. Whether it’s a tireless collie working sheep or a keen retriever picking up, they’re indispensable. More than that, they’re companions in two sometimes isolated industries. There’s something very grounding about the loyalty and presence of a dog and their unwavering enthusiasm to work to help you all day long.

Perceptions and Realities—The Fight for the Future 

Both fieldsports and farming are undergoing their own very real fights for survival. Seemingly anti-farming government policies threaten land use as we know it now, favouring crude development and a relentless push for net zero. It feels like we’re constantly fighting to justify our way of life. There’s a perception that farming and field sports are outdated or elitist, but the reality is far from it. They’re rooted in practical skills, a respect for the land, and a deep understanding of how to balance food production with nature.

The future of both lies in educating people, championing sustainable practices, and making this way of life accessible and appealing to younger generations. I’m determined to keep sharing my story, to give a voice to our rural industries and our rural people. Because when we stand together—as farmers, fieldsports enthusiasts, and rural advocates—we are far stronger than when we stand alone.

Keep up to date with my farming adventures on @rebeccawilsonfarming and my new podcast @wilsonandashley

Written by Rebecca Wilson

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