FARMING WITH NATURE

Environmental Farming

Farming with nature is at the heart of everything we do at Slade Farm. All year round, we manage our land to work in harmony with natural habitats,. As an organic farm, we never use pesticides or herbicides — instead, we rely on natural cycles, healthy soils, and diverse ecosystems to support our farming.

We also work closely with wildlife experts to create and enhance habitats for native farmland birds, rare wildflowers, and local animal species. From meadows to hedgerows, every corner of the farm is a chance to support biodiversity.

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

— John Muir

Farming with Nature - Brown Hares — Brown Hares

Image of a Reed Bunting - Birds discovered at Slade Farm — Reed Bunting

Farmland birds are under serious threat across the UK countryside as intensive farming undermines their habitats. Just look at the population decline listed here on the RSPCA website. At Slade Farm we are bucking the trend. We've worked hard over the last 20 years to ensure that our bird populations are going up and becoming more diverse. On our last bird count we were delighted to see over 50 yellowhammers over-wintering on one of our designated wildlife areas.

“A single acre of meadow may be home to over 2.45 million flowers on a single day, producing enough nectar for 7 million bee visits. ”

— Plantlife, Dr Trevor Dines

We are also working to maintain and manage our meadows on the farm. We have an SSSI & other special flower meadows on our land. Across the UK since the 1930's 97% of meadows have been lost. That is about 7.5 million acres of wild flower habitat gone. Our meadows support pollinators and insects, provide food for birds and bats, and play a critical role in the wider landscape.

“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.”

— David Attenborough

Farming with nature - A Yellowhammer settled on a fern — Yellowhammer

A Goldfinch - A common sight at Slade Farm Organics — Goldfinch

Farming with Nature - A Lapwing strolling through the snow — Lapwing

All bird & hare photos were taken by Paul Dunn

Farm Wildlife surveys

As part of our farming with nature ethos we are always keen to have wildlife and plant surveys completed on the farm. If you are an expert or enthusiastic amateur you are very welcome to visit us. Just email Polly or Graeme on info@sladefarmorganics.com to let us know what you would like to survey. We can then meet you on the farm to show you the best locations and leave you to it. We just ask you for one favour in return, please share any data you gain with us, so with can improve our farming practices in the future.