Environment

It is our policy to ensure that we have as little negative impact on the environment as possible, consulting the relevant bodies and advisors whenever necessary. A full environmental audit was carried out in 2006, which highlighted all current and future environmental related issues.

The Estate has been excepted into both the Entry and Higher Level Stewardship schemes. Within these schemes we are able to manage the farming operations in the most environmentally sensitive way possible. This Hawthorn involves the regeneration of natural habitats, to encourage diversity of the farm’s flora and fauna. This will also enhance the value of the area to anyone visiting the farm and generate visible environmental benefits.

A farm audit has also recently been undertaken for the completion of a 'Farm Environment Plan'. Several areas of archaeological and historic interest were identified which will be protected for future generations by the changes we have put in place. Areas of erosion through run-off have also been identified, and will be managed to alleviate this problem.

A Farm Environment plan (FEP), has identified all the environmental features on the farm. These have all been included as part of a risk assessment and are taken into account and effect our farming practices. A program has been implemented to maintain the features, improve habitat and encourage diversity in the following ways:

The adoption of manure, soil and nutrient management plans and a crop protection plan as advised by our Agronomist, We also are situated within a a Nitrogen Vulnerable Zone which restricts the use of purchase fertilizer.

Annual ‘soil sampling’ of fields to monitor soil quality. This enables us to accurately apply fertilizers to areas of field the are low in particular produces through the use of satellite technology fitted to the tractor spreading the produces.

Maintenance and protection of hedges and field boundaries.

Maintenance and restoration of woodland.

Protection and restoration of ponds.

Protection of wood pasture and parkland to ensure the continued health of the woods and to improve the habitat for woodland birds, butterflies and mammals.

The installation of bat and bird boxes.

Replanting of new woodland areas.

Protection of in field trees

Preservation of archaeology through:

a.	the removal of scrub
b.	the prevention of erosion
c.	reducing the depth of cultivations in fields
d.	by reverting to grassland over sub-surface archaeology where possible

.Grassland reversion on sloping or exposed land to prevent erosion or run off.

The introduction of ‘wild’ areas left fallow. These are planted with particular seed-bearing plants, or are un-harvested to support specific ground-nesting birds species together with rare arable flora.

The estate employs an independent Agronomist, who together with our fully trained staff, ensure that all chemical and fertilizer usage is kept to a minimum and safely administered.

To find out more of the ways in which we are developing the environmental schemes follow the links below.

	In- Field Features	Lapwing Plots, Conservation Headlands, Arable reversion, Beetle Banks
	Field Margin Management	Wild Bird Plots, Cultivated Wild Flower Margin, Buffer Strips,
	Woodland & Tree Management	Coppicing, Tree Planting, Hedge row Management, Hedge Planting, infield trees,
	Historic Features	Protection of archaeological features