There are ecologically valuable areas of wet land. Five
small ponds have been created and a four acre otter haven has been incorporated
with some woodland, and some 5,000 metres of hedgerows have been restored.
The interest in integrating farming and forestry is demonstrated by planting
of 20 hectares (50 acres) of mixed species woodland. Further small areas of woodland are to be planted in the next few years. Extraction of timber from the woodlands planted 40 years ago is to be commenced in the Winter of 2000/01. |
| Orchids thrive; hay meadows are a rage with flowers; the
barn owl, the kite and the curlew prosper. The cuckoo awakes us from the
long winter, followed by the return of the busy house martins, building
their nests under the eaves of the house. Moles heave up tonnes of soil
in the damper soils, and badgers dig huge waste tips alongside their housing
estates.
Wildlife benefit as they rummage through the manure store converting
fresh manure into valuable humus for the hard working earthworms. This
exciting orchestrated cacophony of biological activity is effervescent
in the spring, as the young are born and subdued during the long, pregnant
winter months.
Farming with lower stocking rates and without the use of inorganic
fertiliser and chemical sprays protects and improves the environment
allowing wildlife to naturally thrive.
We have applied to become a member of the Tir Goval Environmental Scheme.
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