So far we have...

• Supported rare breeds - helping to conserve their genetics and heritage

• Reverted 40ha of arable land to species rich meadow and pasture using native seed

• Established 2km of wildflower field margins around arable fields

• Planted10% of the farm with12,000 trees and shrubs (balancing this with the open "wold" character of the farm)

• Created a 3ha block of wild scrub and wood pasture
• Planted 50 orchard trees
• Created 2km of extra wide hedgerow/shelterbelt
• Restored over 150m of dry stone wall and layed 200m of hedge
• Erected 35 bird boxes

​​

Every year we...

• Establish a 7ha plot of bumblebird mix containing 40 different annual and perennial species including fodder radish, triticale, quinoa, mustard, kale, millet, sunflower, clover and borage, feeding farmland birds in the winter and insects in the summer 

• Cut our hay in late summer when the wild flowers and grasses have set seed and Skylarks have nested

• Leave blocks of grass and field margins untouched over winter for wildlife

• Use cover crops in the market garden to build soil fertility and to feed pollinators and beneficial insects

 

We also...

• Keep livestock numbers low to avoid over grazing and soil damage

• Mob/rotationally graze our cattle when we can - building soil health and organic matter 

• Restrict avermectin (wormer) use so as to benefit dung and insect numbers

• Leave dead wood in situ wherever possible

• Leave hedges uncut for 3 years plus and we cut only after winter providing berries for birds

• Do not use artificial fertilisers or pesticides, or GM seeds or feed (we are organic)

• Do not feed our grazing livestock grains or soya, aiming for a natural grass based diet (we are a Pasture for Life farm)

 

With natural resources in mind we...

• Do not work or travel on soil when wet so as to avoid compaction

• Recycle all farm plastics, glass and scrap metal

• Are reducing our energy usage and have switched to green tariffs

• Monitor and reduce our carbon (CO2) footprint with the aim of being carbon neutral

• Are researching ways to become more self sufficient in energy

• Limit water use and collect rainwater

• Compost as much as we can​

​

And finally, and most importantly, we... 

• Like to share our farm, knowledge and passion with others, promoting agroecology and sustainable food. 

​

​