In collaboration with the University of Cumbria (UoC), H&H Group will support new training opportunities for Cumbria’s upland farmers and land-based professionals. This partnership strengthens the Group’s commitment to education, rural resilience and sustainable land management. Through this initiative, H&H is fully funding 12 places on a series of specialist short courses delivered throughout 2026 in association with the UoC.
The training is designed to give farmers, forestry workers, land agents and other land-based professionals the chance to explore practical approaches to land management, environmental responsibilities and livestock systems in a balanced and informed way. It is about enabling farmers to make clear, informed decisions that work for their own enterprises, demonstrating how food production and environmental management can successfully operate in tandem.
The series, commencing on 12th January 2026, will include:
Each course blends online learning with hands-on farm visits and shared learning, enabling participants to see a variety of approaches in practice. H&H’s support is centred on helping farmers and land managers understand the choices available to them, gain practical knowledge and learn from others, so they can make well-informed decisions that best suit their individual businesses and farming systems.
The initial course includes farm visits, workshops, seminars at the Ambleside campus and online evening lectures. Participants will carry out a practical carbon audit and compare the impacts of different livestock and land management systems. The course is structured to fit around work commitments over a four-to-six-week period and is supported in Cumbria by the education charity The Ernest Cook Trust.
H&H Group, whose companies include Harrison & Hetherington , H&H Land & Estates and H&H Insurance Brokers , is one of Cumbria’s foremost rural organisations. Supporting education, training and knowledge transfer remains a core part of the Group’s commitment to its customers. This year-long initiative reinforces that commitment by helping farmers stay informed, share experiences with peers and explore practical solutions for their individual businesses.
It is designed to assist farmers in understanding the full range of opportunities available to them so they can build resilient, productive businesses while continuing the vital work of food production as Mark Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at H&H Group, explains:
“Farmers are the backbone of our rural communities and our economy, and we recognise the essential contribution that our upland livestock farmers make in producing high-quality, British food. By supporting this educational series throughout 2026 in partnership with the University of Cumbria, we’re helping farmers to invest in their future. Our aim is to increase knowledge and confidence to make more informed decisions, enabling them to manage their farming businesses even more effectively.”
“Through practical farm visits, specialist advice and shared learning, we believe we can support the sector to thrive more sustainably. This aligns with our long-term commitment to farming businesses, land stewardship, rural resilience and adding lasting value to the communities we serve.”
The University of Cumbria aims to identify best practice in sustainable planning and management and in announcing the support, Julia Aglionby, Professor of Practice at the UoC, commented, “Farm businesses are facing rapid change, growing uncertainty and increasing pressure to adapt. These fully funded training opportunities are designed to give hill farmers and advisers the practical tools they need to strengthen their core enterprises, improve profitability and prepare for emerging environmental schemes. By focusing on soil health, livestock performance, collaboration and the transition to Net Zero, farmers can make informed decisions that boost resilience to changing weather and improves financial returns. We’re delighted to offer these courses with the support of our partners, ensuring that Cumbrian farmers are equipped to thrive in a changing landscape.”
To find out more, or to sign up for ‘Upland Farming for Net Zero’ first course please visit: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/cpd-and-short-courses/upland-farming-for-net-zero-/