Creating and improving hedgerow habitat on a silvoarable farm in Lancashire

This project is a partnership with Kindling Farm, which together with other partner organisations is pioneering community-owned, agroforestry-based, organic veg and fruit farming. Understanding the need for a healthy agro-ecosystem, the farm is setting aside 25% of the total land area to support biodiversity, through the creation and long term management of a wide variety of types of habitat.

Our activities are focused on establishing new hedgerow, diversifying plant species in existing hedgerow, gapping up ‘over mature’ hedgerow and integrating native broadleaf trees into hedgerow, both within and on the boundaries of the farm. One challenge being addressed is smart integration of the management of these habitat features within food production operations.

Hedgerow management on the farm will increase habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, enhance connectivity of hedgerows and other habitat, including stands of trees within and adjacent to the farm, as well as increase habitat connectivity between farms. As well as biodiversity benefits, these activities will contribute to reducing atmospheric carbon, helping to mitigate climate change.