Farming at Beal Overview

Since the 1970’s when farmers began to realize the detrimental effect intensive agricultural practices were having on the natural environment, the industry has worked hard to develop working practices that not only produce food but enhance the natural environment they live and work in.

Here at Beal Farm, the Smith family have worked together with Natural England through the Countryside Stewardship Agreement  to ensure that the agricultural business of the farm works in harmony with this very special landscape.

In summary, this agreement has the following objectives;

Landscape – To improve the quality of hedgerows around the farm to enhance the visual diversity of the area.

Wildlife – To provide links between productive arable fields with hedgerow, woodland, wetlands etc. to help farmland birds.

Uncultivated buffer strips running around productive arable fields help diversify insect life and provide a haven for wildlife.

The establishment of areas rich in pollen producing wildflowers.

Establishment of “Beetle banks” – A tussocky grass ridge running across a productive arable field to serve as a source of food and cover for a variety of wildlife – not just beetles!

To create grasslands of a type specifically attractive to wintering wildfowl.

To re-establish areas of wetland and salt marsh by breaching flood defence barriers.

History – To protect areas of archaeological interest by limiting the agricultural practices within these areas.

Access – To improve and maintain all public rights of way throughout the farm to allow members of the public the opportunity to enjoy this special area.