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Barn owls have been rare on the Upton Estate over the last 20 years. However recently, management has worked to increase the area of grassland habitat for small mammals on which the owls prey. 28 nest boxes have been constructed and put up around the farm. As a result 4 pairs were recorded in 2006 and 2007, and in 2008 3 pairs successfully bred young.
Skylarks – To support populations of skylarks (bird associated with arable farming), Upton has created 20 Skylark plots. These are areas of land that are left bare in amongst the crop to provide an open area for Skylarks to land on, enabling them to run between the stems and nest in the crop.
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Bumble Bees - Upton Farm’s flourishing bumblebee population is the subject of scientific study. These creatures provide an example of how farmers, as well as wildlife, can benefit from conservation farming. These bees pollinate many crop species, so more bumble bees can mean a bigger harvest. The farm’s sandwich margins are particularly valuable as bumble bee habitat as they can be used throughout the year for feeding, nesting and hibernating.
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 ( Bombus ruderatus) |
