We have farmed traditionally and some would say in an old fashioned way for three generations. This has resulted in us having a wonderful natural hay meadow with over 90 plant and grass species which not only feeds the animals in winter but sustains hundreds of insect and bird species as well. We had ground nesting sky larks move in this summer so we delayed cutting the hay until after they had fi
nished their 3rd breeding cycle, which our wildlife friendly approach to farming enabled. There are hundreds (hopefully more) of mature trees, copses, woodland and the most wonderful hedgerows; all inside Bristol’s city boundary which makes Yew Tree Farm unique. The landscape we have is ‘re-wilded’ and regenerative which is vital for wildlife to thrive. We have cattle that graze this species rich pasture and work symbiotically with the flora and fauna. To say living here excites me is an understatement, it is such a wonderfully rich environment and the contrasting backdrop of a big city is amazing. Following a recent visit from Tim Curley, Avon Wildlife’s Living Landscape Manager he commented;
‘’ Local food production is hugely important and the low intensity farming that your family has practised is a great example of what is possible for those interested in the relationship between farming and wildlife’’
Dr Helena Crouch, Naturalist who undertook a meadow survey wrote-
‘’The meadow supports a huge number of insects and is incredibly important for pollinators.. there really were clouds of butterflies using your meadow all the time and the sounds of grasshoppers’’
Traditional, nature friendly and low intensity farming along with a strong local approach from farm to fork will help save the planet. We are hoping fellow Bristolians will support us so we can be a part of the city for at least another 3 generations.
