We are proud that
our mixed farm provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The
River Eye, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, supports a wide range
of wetland and aquatic flora as well as many animals and insects, including
dragonflies and damselflies. The white-legged damselfly is a particular
speciality of our farm.
Our hedgerow network is extensive and well-managed,
many are hundreds of years old, with ash and field maple plentiful as
the natural hedge tree species. The older ashes provide roosting and
nesting sites for barn owls amongst other species. We have recorded
over 80 bird species on the farm, a reflection of our mixed farming
system and the wetland and hedge habitats provided.
Under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme we
are undertaking a programme of work to improve the conservation value
of the farm. This includes hedge-laying to rejuvenate the hedges, pollarding
of old willows and small-scale tree planting. Some of the small field
ponds, wet ditches and streams have been fenced to keep the livestock
out of the water. We've created a network of grassy margins around many
of our fields to provide habitat for meadow butterflies, beetles and
small mammals, which will in turn encourage the barn owls.
Some of our old pastures and meadows don’t
receive any artificial fertiliser and we are managing the hay meadows
to encourage a range of flowers and grasses. The small patches of seed-bearing
plants that we have planted to feed the birds in winter attract large
numbers of tree sparrows, linnets, goldfinches, chaffinches, greenfinches
and reed buntings.
We also provide opportunities for groups to
study the wildlife through our farm tours and visits. 
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