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The 513 hectare farm grows cereal crops including wheat, oats and barley, as well as oilseed rape and herbage grass seed. The judges, Juliet Hawkins from The Hall, Milden and Richard Wrinch from Hill House Farm, Shotley were accompanied by Toby Kramers, head of Commercial Property from long-term sponsors Ashton Graham Solicitors. They were all hugely impressed by the enthusiasm, technical knowledge, and desire to work with the local community that was demonstrated by the Barker family.
As well as producing high quality crops, the attention to detail in the farmyard – an area often ignored was deemed highly impressive. The judges were shown recycling systems for farm waste and for the local communities; a grey water system for spraying; opportunistic use of compost, and a wide range of information boards for visitors. Also the high tech field by field soil nutrient analysis resulted in the optimum targeting of inputs.
The farm is in year three of a ten year HLS scheme, which focuses on upgrading old and creating new habitats specifically for Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species which are specific farmland birds, small mammals and insects, as well as providing permissive access and educational visits for the local community. It also includes the management of 25 ponds, 43 kilometres of hedgerows and ditches and ten hectares of woodland and one of the main projects is to enhance the population of Great Crested Newts.
“As proud sponsors of the the Kerr Conservation Cup, we have become accustomed to the high standard of entrants and winners, and this year is no exception. Lodge Farm is an outstanding example of good conservation practice.. Seeing a farm that is prepared to put so much time and effort into conserving the countryside is fantastic. The farm walks they will host next summer will be very interesting ones.”
The Barkers were really pleased to win as Ashton Graham have a very long association with the family. Back in 1957, Tom Ashton had assisted David’s father Eric when he purchased the 350 acres of Lodge Farm for the sum of £47 (10 shillings per acre).
“you will never ever see farmland as cheap as that again”
The runner-up is Great Glemham Farms, which narrowly beat Saxham Hall, home of the Gordon-Lennox family. Jason Gathorne-Hardy, son of Lord and Lady Cranbrook, is passionate about the arts, the natural environment and using local produce, and consequently is firmly weaving these issues into the management of the estate. This beautiful estate covers 414 hectares and has just joined the HLS scheme; which will include the restoration of three ancient orchards and a nuttery, two ponds and two bunded dykes, as well as creating permissive and open access. Jason has also created the Alde Valley LambÔ brand, which is promoted during the four week Alde Valley Spring festival at White House Farm.
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