Field Margins
I have put a six metre field margin around some of my arable fields. This is to encourage predatory insects and beetles that will feed on aphids on the corn, this will reduce the need for spraying. Also it will provide a food chain for Barn Owls and other Wildlife. We have had a Barn Owl Box in a oak tree on the edge of the margins for a number of years with no owls taking up residence. But in 2002 we had a pair move into the box and successful reared 4 owlets.
Dykes
We have a number of dykes on the farm. The self set bushes that grow in the dykes have to be cut back every three to four years, so that the dykes do not get blocked up. This habitat provides cover for butterfly pupa. Also the grass verges in the lanes are left uncut so to provide a good hunting ground for owls and butterflies.
Trees
I have recently planted seventy five trees on the farm with a good success rate on the heavy land. On the sand land I have lost most of my trees due to two droughts even though these were watered during the hot summer.
On the farm there are a number of willow trees which are being pollarded. Little Owls and Tree Sparrows like nesting in these. I have put up a number of small bird nest boxes around the farm.
Hay Meadow It’s my intention to maintain a hay
meadow so that attractive wild flowers will establish and enhance the
landscape. Hedge Planting We have done some hedge planting on the farm over the past few years,
mainly hedge gapping. Planting a variety of saplings to attract more
insects and butterflies. The Lake We are fortunate to have a 3
acre lake on the farm. Between the
middle of June and the end of August
the damselflies take over the banks
where it is a mass of blue.
Damselflies are a good indicator to the
quality of the water.
