Wildlife & conservation
The quality of wildlife habitats across the farm have been gradually improved over the past seven years.
- Gaps in hedgerows have been replanted
- Wildlife corridors have been created to link new and existing habitats
- New ponds have been dug and planted appropriately
The Rare Breeds Centre has followed an approach that is sympathetic to wildlife. This, combined with a structured programme of land management has resulted in a doubling of small mammal numbers including major increase in recorded numbers of yellow ring-necked mice, a threatened species.
A wide variety of wildlife habitats are accessible from several farm walks. These include spectacular bluebell woodland and ancient hedgerows, as well as recently coppiced areas and Rainbow Wood a native plantation woodland (formerly a commemorative wood) with both managed and wild areas. A lake and several ponds provide aquatic interest.