ECOLOGY - OVERVIEW

Location

The smallholding is situated at the foot of the wolds, sloping towards the coastal marshes. Upper areas within the holding are calcareous changing to clay lower down. On higher ground, looking eastwards under clear conditions the wind farm and North Sea are clearly visible. To the north of the holding is a large area of woodland. Much of the perimeter of the holding is surrounded by arable land.

Appropriate management of the holding has resulted in an area rich in biodiversity providing a corridor for wildlife.

The Land

The 5.1 hectares are divided into several paddocks. The boundaries between these are thought to have been unchanged over many years. During the last few years small copses of native trees have regularly been planted, hedges have been cut occasionally for maintenance. Recently new hedging has been planted and some of the older hedging has been laid.

The individual paddocks include 2 calcareous meadows plus semi permanent pastures. A wildlife pond occupies part of one of the lower paddocks. Areas of rough grassland are maintained wherever possible to provide hunting ground for barn owls. The pond provides habitat for newts, odonata, moorhens and other wildlife.

The remains of ridges and furrows are obvious in some places.

The holding was used several decades ago for keeping cows, pigs and chickens, along with growing hay and other crops. Later in the 1990s it was used mainly for hay. During the last 12 years our main aim has been to provide wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity along with keeping rare and native breed sheep. We also have angora goat, a horse and chickens. We do not use chemicals on the land and management of vegetation is achieved by cutting and grazing.

Ecology Report

An ecology survey and report was performed in May 2023 by a professional ecologist. This is available using link below.

Ecology Report

Wildflowers

A wide mixture of wildflowers can be seen during spring and summer, especially within the calcareous meadows. Common spotted and pyramidal orchids are now abundant plus the occasional bee orchid. Dense patches of red and white clover and yellow rattle predominate in parts. Other wildflowers commonly seen include: self heal, ground ivy, buttercup, vetch, dock, sheep sorrel, and bedstraw. Abundant displays of spring flowers include bluebell, aconite, cowslip and primrose. Umbellifers predominate many areas.

Grasses

A broad mix of grasses can be seen particularly during the summer months.

Trees

Much of the old hedgerows are comprised of hawthorn, the flower is so pretty - May - and the berries in autumn are a valuable food source for birds. Other hedging trees include dog rose, blackthorn, sycamore, ash, hazel, maple and elder. The copses include the above plus hornbeam, holly, oak, scots pine, horse chestnut, alder, rowan, willow and fruit trees. Several large old trees dominate their surroundings - ash, cedar, sweet chestnut and lime.

Ivy, bramble and elder are allowed occupation where appropriate.

Birds

Wonderful chorus of birdsong can be heard during the spring. Presence of garden and farmland birds, raptors, and migratory birds are heard and seen throughout the year. Barn owls have frequently raised broods in an owl box. Tawny owls call and can often be seen during hours of darkness. Moorhens and mallards often occupy the pond.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Sometimes have the pleasure of finding a common toad amongst vegetation. Newts are often found on their travels away from the pond in autumn. Many newts seen in the pond in spring.

Mammals

The old hedges and copses provide ideal habitat for badgers and foxes. Rabbits often become very numerous and deer are frequent visitors. Bats are frequently seen dusk and after dark - 5 species of bat have been identified. Squirrels and small rodents are numerous. These include short tailed field voles, shrews, wood mice, water shrews and moles. Roe and muntjac deer are often seen browsing in the more sheltered areas.