Farm wildlife and hay meadows

 

Wildlife and habitats

The farm's species rich grassland coupled with ancient oaks, ditches and hedges gives the farm the potential to support a wide range of plants and animals. We consider this opportunity a real privilege and are doing our utmost to run the farm in a way that maximises its potential to wildlife. 

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing buzzards soaring, hawks diving and herons waiting patiently. Having these top predators on the farm means that we're doing our bit to help ensure the food chain on which they depend is thriving.

Many animals on the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group's Bio Diversity Action Plan are found on the farm. These range from Tree Sparrows, Nut Hatches and Green and Spotted Woodpeckers through to Redwings, Brown Hares, Wrens and Long Tailed Tits. All these animals need different habits, and underline why a farm needs to be managed in its entirety to realise its potential benefit to wildlife and native plant species. 

We've taken this whole farm approach and work with the Soil Association, the Countryside Stewardship scheme and the Farming and Advisory Wildlife Group, to enhance our farm's value to wildlife.

We also have run education programmes for local primary schools to connect children to the countryside and food production. 

Organic farming fact 
UK organic farms contain 85% more plant species, 33% more bats, 17% more spiders and 5% more birds than conventional farms, according to the findings of a five year research programme from Oxford University, the British Trust for Ornithology, and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.