Here at Speedgate we are pleased to now be a part of the Countryside Stewardship Wildlife Scheme to help conserve the environment and encourage wildlife on our farm.
Countryside Stewardship is part of an EU project funded by Natural England, and was introduced to encourage farmers and land managers to look after and improve the environment. Most elements of the scheme are competitive and are determined by local environment priorities. This will help to keep the character of the countryside and preserve it for the future.
The scheme is made up of several elements, but we will be focusing on Wildlife, Nature and Pollinators. This includes restoring habitats, providing food and nesting places for birds, insects and other animals, creating areas for rare flowering plants, and managing hedges. In addition we will provide pollen and nectar sources, nesting places for pollinators, and ensure the right resources are where they are most needed.
By the end of 2019 we will have over 40 acres of Stewardship plots distributed across the farm, with an additional 8 acres being voluntarily sown this Autumn. We have 3 types of plots:-
- Pollen & Nectar
- Wild Bird Seed
- Bumblebird (a mixture)
By sowing these seed mixes we aim to provide food and shelter to insects and wild birds for as much of the year as possible, particularly when food sources are otherwise low in Winter. This is achieved by creating wider and bigger areas to allow more seeds to remain undiscovered for longer, which extends their value.
We will be implementing the scheme over the next 5 years, and look forward to seeing the wildlife thrive in this time. You can also do your bit by providing wild birds with the food they need to give them a better chance of surviving shortages at any time of year, but remember to clean feeders regularly to help prevent the transmission of disease.