Tom’s father Michael began organic conversion in the year 2000 and, after a two-year period where no artificial fertilisers or sprays were used, the first organic beef and cereals were sold.
This began our drive to farm with the environment in mind. The fields have wide hedge and grass margins for the benefit of wildlife, along with large areas given over to plants for wild bird food and pollinator areas for the benefit of bees.
Complementing Conservation
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) presents us with an opportunity to create and restore habitats on land that has little production value. BNG compels property developers to deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain to get planning consent and is the measurable improvements on the biodiversity value of land after construction.
Given the nature of our farmland, our location within Buckinghamshire and proximity to Milton Keynes we are working with Civity to offer BNG units to developers within the locality.
Shooting
During the shooting season, we run a small syndicate shoot for local people and each summer, we release young pheasants under the watchful eye of our gamekeeper.
Game shooting brings vital income to rural communities and provides something very special for the table; game meat is natural, healthy and delicious.
Land managed for game shooting provides huge benefits to the environment. Practices that come about due to game shooting, such as the planting of cover crops boost biodiversity; scientific studies found 30% more songbirds on farms with shoots and results in a positive net conservation impact.
As we are close to the Woburn estate, some interesting escapees have made themselves at home on the farm, including Chinese Water deer and Muntjac deer. These are sustainably managed to harvest delicious venison and prevent crop and tree damage.
Fishing
A stretch of the River Ouzel runs through the farm and the fishing rights are exclusively rented by the Leighton Buzzard Angling Club for their members.
The fishing areas are left wild, so it favours the more agile angler. Regular catches include good chub, perch, roach and dace. Barbel have been spotted in the shallower areas.