Sheepdrove Organic Farm

At a glance

Location

Berkshire

Area

1,700 acres

Start date

2020

Scale

Large

Habitats

Downland, Mixed woodland, Lakes and ponds and Grassland and meadow

Key species

Herbivores, Amphibians and Lapwing

Rewilding actions

Extensive grazing and Tree Planting

Engaging people

Volunteering, Local business gains and Education programme

Sheepdrove Organic Farm is dedicated to building on its dream of sustainability and self-sufficiency — continually working to improve its management of energy, water, soil and other natural resources. It invests in projects to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

The conversion to organic farming was a hugely positive experience for Sheepdrove, protecting them from the polluting chemicals of neighbouring farms and enabling them to recreate the original downland landscape. Now it’s ready to go further with an ambitious plan for rewilding as much as possible.

Sheepdrove already supports several nature based enterprises — , wedding and venue hire, and a natural burial ground. They also have plans to extend this with new enterprises including camping and glamping. It is anticipated that an increase in visitors to the project will also benefit local businesses.

An educational programme has also been planned for the project. In addition, local volunteers are engaged to collect bird and butterfly data for the project.

KICK-STARTING REWILDING

Planned reduction in sheep grazing to allow the introduction of other herbivores. Natural regeneration of woodlands will be encouraged and strengthened with native tree planting where appropriate.

Images: Sheepdrove Organic Farm & Alastair Driver

GALLERY