FARMING SUSTAINABLY 

Having taken on a small mixed farm we want to keep it that way so we are doing the following:

TREES - planting clumps of trees. Our ridge and furrow does not allow for single trees, so we are planting clumps of trees. This makes it easier to fence, and trees, like people, do better when they live with each other.

FENCING - we are removing every single piece of barbed wire and replacing it with high tensile wire. Where we can, we are removing fences to allow a greater freedom of movement for wildlife across the farm.

WOODS - we don't have many but we are opening them up to allow cattle to browse them and to use the shelter.

HEDGES - leaving hedges to grow and cutting some right back to get better re growth. We don’t cut anything in the autumn preferring to leave the berries and seed for over wintering bird food. 

FRUIT- orchard planting: replanting what was the old 17th century orchard of the manor house with some rare and interesting fruit varieties.

WILDLIFE - repairing and cleaning existing barn owl boxes.

Since April 2016 we have achieved the following:

THE LAND
- We became certified organic (whole farm) and our cows are also certified 100% pasture-fed with Pasture for Life
- Stopped all pesticide, nitrogen and glyphosate use
- Converted arable to herbal leys across 70 Acres
- Planted 8 acres of winter bird food along with 1km native hedges

GRAZING
- Laid 1km water pipe for mob grazing
- Started holistic grazing management
- Winter bale grazing to drive species rich grassland

WILDLIFE
- Dug three ponds to increase wildlife and biodiversity

CARBON EMISSIONS 
- Electric buggy for use as a farm vehicle

Just a few of the other measures we are taking:

Leaving standing deadwood, at the side of fields and in woodland.

We have 8 beehives, and will grow the number and distribution to sell honey in our shop.

Increase signal crayfish trapping, and start a regular trapping regime.

Encouraging rabbits and hares.

River flow management, by leaving fallen trees and other obstacles to create back eddies and still areas.

Repair of the mill race walls to increase the flow, and removal of sycamore by the paper mill to protect the remains and encourage light to the area. 

Gutters and water collection on barns

Solar water and solar panels on main barn roofs

Hydro generator

Trees, trees, trees and more tree planting

Continue to encourage species rich grasslands

Well signed public access points

More water points

Micro dairy

Wider livestock species range

Pop-up restaurant and supper club

Education centre for encouraging children and others to understand the value of Regenerative farming

Self-serve farm shop