George Hosford’s had enough – and so has the Grumbler

Land, bees, housing – and a festive rant from 1874

It’s the final episode of 2025, and it’s a belter.

The Frustrated Farmer returns: George Hosford says “If you don’t care about the land, you shouldn’t own it.”

This month, George is angry – and rightly so. As public support payments disappear and corporate investors quietly sell up, a new crisis is brewing: farmland is being snapped up by those with no connection to it, and no interest in what happens next.

In another powerful interview, George makes the case for long-term stewardship over short-term gain – and explains why land ownership rules need urgent reform if we’re to protect Britain’s food, soil and future.

He says we have people buying farmland who don't want to farm, don't want to engage with local communities, and don't care what happens to the land – and why that should worry everyone.

Bees and the Big Build: A new chapter in Shillingstone Jenny speaks to Ian Condon about the new eco-friendly North Dorset Beekeepers' Centre – complete with honey warmers, public displays and a demonstration hive window for curious visitors.

💬 “We’ve built something special – a teaching centre, a community space, and a love letter to bees.”

Hope at West Farm: new beginnings for Dorset’s hidden homeless Jill Cook from Salvation Army Homes explains how a new supported housing project near Bridport will offer not just shelter but space, safety and purpose to vulnerable young people.

💬 “You can’t fix homelessness with a roof alone. This is about roots, growth and confidence.”

The Grumbler Returns: Christmas, 1874-style Boot-losing mud, weaponised wassailing, and nutcrackers no one asked for – our festive Grumbler has thoughts.

This episode is based on stories from December’s BV. Read the issue here: https://bvmag.co.uk/Dec25 News, people, politics and rural Dorset life – every month, always free.

The BV – named Best Regional Publication in the UK (ACE Awards) and Regional News Site of the Year (Press Gazette). Always worth your ears.