David Tonge

David was born in Lincolnshire, within 2 miles of Kirkstead Abbey (as the crow flies). The Tonge family has been farming in the Fens since 1840.

David’s Great-Grandfather and Great-Uncle, along with other local farmers, were instrumental in pioneering the drainage of the area. They put a drainage channel through the area which is now the main road of Woodhall Spa.

David believes if he had been born over a hundred years ago he would been known as the local magnafogler, an old Lincolnshire term for someone who invents or innovates. He is keen on developing and investigating new innovations within farming, such as new techniques especially those related to regenerative farming.

He is a proud member of Groundswell, an organisation which provides a forum for farmers interested in food production or the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of Conservation Agriculture and Regenerative Systems.

David has three children and an Irish Red Setter called Dixie. He is essentially self-sufficient on his farm and has chickens, guinea-fowl, pigs and a large vegetable garden, large enough to plough with a Ferguson 135 tractor, so he doesn’t have to dig!

When not giving talks on The Poacher, David can be found reading in his library, out metal detecting or reclaiming materials from old buildings.

David enjoys this quote by Rick Butts, author and speaker, ‘For a person who has never led an army into battle, been elected to higher office, acted in movies or committed a heinous crime, a good book is the way to bridge the credibility gap.’

David would humbly suggest this quote could be applied to him as author of this book, ‘The Lincolnshire Poacher’.

“David draws us back into another time to understand the challenges caused by deprivation, disempowerment and poverty.” Rev. Canon Alan J. Robson.

“The secret of success is doing what others daren’t, won’t or can’t.” (Often said by W.E. Tonge)

“This book gave even more insight into the history of Lincolnshire that you wouldn’t find in any guide books. A brilliant read.”

“David has explored so much about these characters within the county and delivers his research in a captivating and informative way.”

“The Lincolnshire Poacher is a book which oozes the reality of country living. The author knows Lincolnshire and knows poaching and poachers. Here is a book which every country person, wherever they live, will treasure because it is so genuine, describing a time when the kitchen cupboard in the cottage could well be bare.”