Conservation on the farm
For those within the farming industry we offer the opportunity to come to a farm that combines practical farming alongside conservation to see how they sit side by side (even with the often conflicting issues that arise).
Practical farming – We strive to run a farm that is both economical and realistic. There's always the need to work within the constraints of price, regulation, time and weather. With this in mind, we welcome groups onto the farm to discuss current topics affecting their business or the industry and we aim to provide information where possible, whilst gaining from each other. Over the last number of years we have moved towards a greener style of farming.
We all have to work within the rules that are given from the EU. These have been brought into this country`s legislation in the form of the Single Farm Payment (SFP), which has replaced the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This change was a result of pressure from sectors outside of farming to see the drive from the over-production of food and the perceived idea that farming was bad for the countryside.
With the introduction of the (SFP), the emphasis has moved from over-production of food to sustainable farming in conjunction with the environment.
On many farms the day-to-day process of farming goes hand in hand with regulation in the form of Cross Compliance. As such, the subsidy in whatever form it takes is greater than the product itself. This is not a healthy situation to be in as many within the industry see this as a burden and hold over their farms in some cases.
Farmers are no different to any other business and have to work within the law relating to consumer protection, but the fact that it stifles choice is to nobody's benefit in the long run.
The upside of farming is the joy in the mornings of being your own boss with the fresh air on a crisp autumn day.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Here at Lower House Farm, the environment that we have and work within has always been important to us. In 1999 we joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS). This has enabled us to put in new hedges on the farm totalling 1800 metres, which has resulted in a very diverse landscape, with sightings of rare Corn Buntings and Lapwings by the local ornithological group. These hedging plants are bought from a local nursery and are a mixture of hedging plants like Beech, Ash, Hornbeam, Dogwood, Quickthorn and Spindle. In 2005 we joined the Entry Level Scheme (ELS). This allowed us to continue with other conservation projects on the farm.
Grass strips are planted alongside sensitive areas 
including water courses, hedges and in some cases houses. These total 5000 metres. Three years ago, we entered into a scheme with the RSPB and a number of different agencies to put down a special grass seed mixture around one field to encourage birds and insects to nest. The results have been monitored over the last few years and the results can be viewed here and here. Alongside that, we have put in special scrapes in the fields as we are planting the wheat. These provide a nesting place or landing place for birds and their young.
THE CANAL
Another ongoing project on the farm is the renewal of approximately 1 kilometre of the Canal that runs through the farm. Over the last few years we have reclaimed a stretch of the canal that has lain untouched for 150 years. This has created a bird-friendly stretch of water that is now inhabited by ducks, swans, geese and other wildlife Map
LEAF
LEAF is committed to a viable agriculture which is environmentally and socially acceptable and ensures the continuity of supply of wholesome, affordable food while conserving and enhancing the fabric and wildlife of the British countryside for future generations.
LEAF encourages farmers throughout the UK to adopt Integrated Farm Management (IFM) and to promote the benefits of IFM to consumers and raise awareness of the way many farmers are responding to current concerns.
A widening gap of understanding is opening up between the farming industry and the general public. Unless farmers and others with a rural bias grasp every opportunity to explain how quality British food is produced and discuss consumer concerns the gap is going to get wider. The opportunities are there. Public interest in agriculture is huge. So to help farmers to rise to this challenge, and restore confidence and trust in British produce, LEAF have produced a number of ‘self help’ tools to help you to communicate better
COMMONSENSE FARMING
Everyone wants a countryside that thrives. A countryside that is alive with wildlife supports viable farming businesses and produces wholesome, affordable food. Integrated Farm Management (IFM) is an approach that provides just this. It combines the best of traditional farming methods with modern technology, allowing farmers to manage their farms in an informed, professional and caring way.