CONSERVATION AT LOWER HOUSE FARM

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 2200 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 6000 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 (Bird Record 1) and here (Bird Record 2). 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.