Conservation Farming
We farm with conservation very much in mind and we have been in the Rural Stewardship Scheme since 2003.
Uncropped headlands, beetle banks, unharvested crops, thick hedges and restricted summer grazing all help to give the birds and insects as much chance as possible. In 2009-2010 we have planted over 3,000 trees and 3,500 metres of hedge. The hedges are trimmed every other year or every 3 years to ensure that there is always blossom and fruit (which grow on the old wood) to provide food as well as sufficient nesting cover.
We have 3 fields (70 acres) managed as wetlands where many rare species of birds and plants thrive.
We host 7 beehives on the estate and the bees help to pollinate fruit trees and flowers, maintaining a healthy biodiversity.
It is a source of pride that the estate fosters a rich bodiversity whilst remaining highly productive. A number of endangered species thrive at Arbigland such as red squirrels, natterjack toads, otters, skylarks, barn owls and lapwings. We are currently assisting a local barn owl project with barn owl boxes in 5 potential nesting sites around the estate.
