In the picturesque countryside that spans the Limpsfield and Edenbridge border, one name stands out in the agricultural world: Simon Chiles. A veteran farmer and agricultural contractor, Simon has lived in the farmland area of Limpsfield his entire life and has quietly become a linchpin of the local farming community, managing operations on numerous farms across the Surrey and Kent border area.
With more than five decades of experience under his belt, he offers not only a wealth of knowledge about the land but also a vision for its future—one that balances productivity with preservation.
Farming today stands at a crossroads. Rising costs, unpredictable weather, and shifting government policies have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to plan for the future. Since Brexit, the phasing out of EU subsidies and the slow rollout of new Environmental Land Management schemes have created uncertainty across the industry. At the same time, farmers are being asked to do more than ever — not just to produce food, but to help tackle climate change, restore biodiversity, and manage the landscape for future generations.
In this challenging context, farmers like Simon are quietly getting on with the job — drawing on decades of experience to adapt, innovate, and care for the land. While policymakers debate priorities and public attention shifts, it’s farmers on the ground who understand the daily realities of agriculture. In our conversation below, Simon provides insight into the pressures facing British farming today — and why supporting those who work the land has never mattered more…
Continue reading “Farming for the Future: How Local Farmers like Simon Chiles Are Safeguarding the Land and Wildlife of Limpsfield” →
