High How Farm

A mix of woodland, scrub and wild flower meadow provide a haven for wildlife. A small herd of stirks graze the meadow spring and autumn but allow a succession of wild flowers to thrive in the meadow all summer providing essential nutrients for the cows in the next season Our ‘no worming’ policy means dung beetles thrive in the cowpats naturally enhancing the fertility of the grassland. Woodland streams, brambles and scrub are excellent cover for shrews, voles, mice. and moles while allowing hunting by owls and buzzards. Dense gorse and scattered trees are homes to birds on the red list: Linnets, Dunnock, Lesser Redpoll, Song Thrush, Tree Pippit and Yellowhammers.

In previous years the farm walls, hedges and woodland had fallen into disrepair. As a pilot farm for the sustainable farming initiative, we are working to repair our stone field walls, replant our hedges and manage our woodland. Installing gates and boundaries will allow our grassland to be managed better through the introduction of mob grazing, the use of natural fertiliser (manure) and a minimal amount of hay or mineral supplements. In 2022. working with the Woodland Trust, we planted 1000 native trees. Our passive approach to farming allows our small farm to be a safe space for a mix of wildlife. Wandering across our fields at dawn or dusk you might meet foxes, hares, rabbits (lots of them!). Buzzards patrol the skies along with other birds of prey.

Watch footage from our wildlife camera here.