Resources

resource Cotswold Seeds Video outlining the challenges of growing and managing sainfoin, ways it can benefit livestock and bees, and current interesting research.

resource ADAS Improve your farm productivity and environment with field drainage; principles, methods, assessment, maintenance, renewal and installation.

resource Centre for Agroecology/ Water and Resilience and Soil Association The causes and implications of soil degradation explained, with a plea to adopt agroecological approaches to help tackle the problems.

resource Duchy College & Rothamsted Research Duchy College and Rothamsted Research’s mobile manure management app; find out how you can use it and access the app from this webpage.

resource Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust information on managing flower-rich habitats on your farm with links to some important research.

resource FAI Farms Information on the practical tried and tested FAI solution to help farmers manage and reduce lameness levels in flocks.

resource SRUC Rural Policy Centre Research findings that will help you implement and manage forested riparian buffer strips on your land and use them to their best advantage.

resource Slow Food; Bee Life; PAN Europe Land management practice and policy tips to help implement the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in ways that will benefit pollinators.

resource Woodland Trust When shelter is in short supply strategic tree planting makes a real difference. In this case study a Cumbrian farmer shares his experience.

resource Farming Connect Simple steps that farmers can take to halt the decline of bees and other insect pollinators in Wales, relevant to the British Isles.

resource Living with Environmental Change (LWEC) Practical advice on how we as farmers and growers, can manage pollinators and achieve optimum returns, and pointers for policymakers.

resource DEFRA Defra’s National Pollinator Strategy; established to help protect the future of pollinators and ensure their needs are addressed in land and habitat management.

resource Biodynamics; what is it, what are the biodynamic preparations, how is biodynamic farming and soil health and fertility intrinsically linked?

resource Interesting research that focused on identifying appropriate plants within flowering strips and companion cropping to help control apple and cabbage pests.

resource Soil Association / Organic Research Centre / Duchy Originals from Waitrose Interesting insights from a trial evaluating the use of woodchip compost as a viable peat-free growing media for growers.

resource Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) Video footage of a member of the TILMAN-ORG project outlining some of the problems and potential solutions associated with reduced tillage.

resource Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) LEAF’s IFM principles and practices guide to help you farm sustainably by adopting a whole farm business approach.

resource Is it possible to develop a low-protein, high fibre diet for dairy cattle that is good for them, good for milk production and good for...

resource Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) LEAF Demonstration Farmer Chris Baylis discusses measures put in place to help improve soil structure and drainage on his farm with agricultural advisor Philip Wright.

resource Woodland Trust This practical guidance looks at the integration of trees in to sheep management systems and the benefits they can bring.

resource Newcastle University Groundbreaking research that highlights nutritional benefits of organic fresh produce, with important links to how the food is produced.

resource DEFRA A short video of why we need pollinators and they need us. What simple actions can we take to help reduce the many threats pollinators...

resource The Wildlife Trusts A “Call to Action” from Defra and The Wildlife Trusts providing practical information to help us increase food and shelter for pollinators.

resource AHDB Beef & Lamb An AHDB case study providing insights into farmer Tim May's quest of transitioning to a completely forage-based system.

resource Exeter University / University of Oxford / Woodland Trust / Keep Wales Tidy / Centre for Ecology and Hydrology This Woodland Trust publication outlines the benefits that can be achieved from nurturing hedgerows and provides practical management tips.

resource Devon Hedge Group / Tamar Valley AONB / Devon County Council How to manage hedges using modern machinery and techniques, produce renewable energy, save money on heating, and improve hedge health.

resource Dept. of Bioscience - Aarhus University Research findings providing insights into management of hay fields that may help increase plant and insect diversity.

resource Woodland Trust This practical guide takes you through the process of planting trees for free range poultry from initial design to planting and maintenance.

resource Newcastle University / Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) / LowInputBreeds consortium Information on developing integrated livestock breeding and management strategies to improve animal health, product quality and performance.

resource AHDB Beef & Lamb Best practice advice on growing and feeding high protein lucerne (alfalfa) for cattle and sheep.