Sheepdrove Organic Farm
Organic farm on the Berkshire Downs committed to enhancing biodiversity through natural processes
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
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Future Plans
- 1 Introduction of more natural processes to establish natural downland habitat
- 2 Connecting rewilding with existing educational initiatives
- 3 Continue monitoring bird and butterfly populations with volunteers
