James Dawson, award-winning Director
“Five years ago, I realised that the countryside was becoming central to the conflict around the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. I felt it was undervalued as a focus for films. And not properly understood. So I went in search of a story that would allow this conflict to be explored in real time. And yet wouldn’t easily drop into the cliches that seems to dominate so much of the debate in our polarised world.
When I found the two Dereks I knew they were a great way of crafting a story that could tease out the underlying issues in a funny and engaging way.
My hope is their story will at turns amuse, entertain and provoke audiences to think about the difficult questions the film poses and to catalyse tangible change for farmers and for nature.”
REWILDING COOMBESHEAD
If you’re interested in learning more about Derek’s project in Devon or to visit the site you can find out more here: rewildingcoombeshead.co.uk
Often described by the press as ‘the maverick rewilder’ Derek Gow is rewilding his 300-acre farm in Devon.
A leading advocate for reintroducing endangered or extinct native species back into Britain. A former sheep farmer turned nature conservationist, author and consultant, over thirty years Derek has led a campaign to bring the eurasian beaver back to UK waterways - work that has resulted in legislative change to allow the beaver’s return.
Derek’s passion for animals started when he was given a Shetland ewe as a teenager. He started rearing a flock whilst working in the cattle market of his home town of Biggar on the Scottish borders. Inspired by Gerald Durrell’s vision of captive breeding endangered species, Derek worked in zoos and wildlife conservation projects until - depressed by the slow pace of change - he bought the Devon farm in 2002 to return to his first love of sheep (all the while campaigning for beaver reintroduction). Twenty years later he’s combining his animal husbandry skills with his farming knowledge to create a large-scale conservation project called Rewilding Coombeshead. Much to the frustration of his farming neighbours!
When Derek isn't working he enjoys being in nature, playing with his ‘naughty black labradors’ and eating Linda Banbury's cakes.
You can find Derek Gow on social media:
Instagram @derekgow
Facebook search 'Derek Gow'
FRANKABOROUGH FARM
If you’re interested in staying at the Banbury’s cottages - and sampling Linda’s famous cakes - you can find out more here: devonfarmcottage.co.uk
Derek Banbury is the patriarch of Frankaborough Farm, a 400 acre intensive dairy and beef enterprise in Devon. Now 72, he has spent his entire life working the land, leaving school at 16 to join his father before later building the business alongside his brother, Raymond.
Today, Derek continues to run the farm with Raymond and his son, James, remaining committed to the care of his dairy herd and beef cattle. Alongside the farm, his wife Linda manages a successful holiday cottage business on site, creating a diversified income stream for the family.
Farming tradition sits at the heart of Derek’s approach. Situated north of Derek Gow’s rewilding project, he has watched neighbouring land use change significantly - a shift he views with scepticism.
Known for running a neat, highly productive farm, Derek represents a more “traditional” style of farming, though questions remain about how perspectives like his may evolve as environmental pressures and opportunities continue to grow.
Known for running a tidy productive operation Derek represents a more "traditional" type of farming. Like many farmers in the UK he struggles with low farm gate prices and ever more unpredictable weather.
Derek and Linda have four children, five grandchildren, and share their home with two dogs, Poppy and Charlie.
You can find Derek Banbury on Instagram @derek_banbury