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The Estate has recently dedicated a large acreage over to the propagation of wildlife. An area of land around arable fields is given over to strips of wildflowers, clovers, rough tussocky grass and bird food.
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The Estate has identified lower yielding areas or land difficult to farm and has decided to use these areas to create a range of habitats that now occupy approx 10% of the arable land. The habitats listed below are designed to deliver specific wildlife gains.
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Tussocky Grass
This provides an opportunity for nesting birds, overwintering insects including bumblebees and is also excellent for small mammals which in turn provide food for birds of prey.
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Flower rich habitats
These provide a vital source of pollen (protein) and nectar (energy). UK farmland has lost over 95% of its flowers so this habitat is the key building block that underpins much of the wildlife increase. This provides for the widest range of species.
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Legume Mix
This delivers an important food source for bumblebees and butterflies. The Estate has recorded two new species on this habitat. The rare bumblebee Bombus ruderatus and the Marbled White butterfly. The mixture is based on Red clover.
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Natural Regeneration
This habitat provides an opportunity for the annual arable fauna some of which are amongst the rarest plants in the UK. Ground is cultivated each year and so creates the bare ground these plants need.
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Winter Bird Food
Areas are sown to specific mixes that produce seed during the winter so providing much needed food for birds that may otherwise starve during the winter months.
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