We advise this 875.87 hectares organic mixed farm (cereals and sheep grazing) with Higher Level Stewardship and re-wilding area.
The farm was purchased and converted to organic production in 1997. The farm planted two agroforestry fields in the 1990’s. The farm started experimenting with heritage grains in the early 2000’s before taking a break and then returning to them again in 2020. In 2022 the farm experimented with establishing clover leys underneath the heritage crops. Herbal leys have been used since the farm originally converted as a way to increase fertility within the arable rotation. A small re-wilding site was established in 2021.
In terms of outcome, Sheepdrove Organic Farm now has one of the highest populations of farmland birds, especially rare birds such as Corn Buntings. This has been widely attributed to the organic status of the farm. The heritage grains have provided financial security for the farm – they provide a stable yield regardless of weather conditions. Clover leys and herbal leys have improved soil fertility. The re-wilding site has increased invertebrate numbers which is anticipated to increase other wildlife numbers.