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About the Farm
The Land
In the spring 2008, Wye Community Farm (WCF) secured the rights to graze part of the Wye National Nature Reserve (NNR). Further land and buildings are being pursued, in order to create a viable unit and allow for a range of enterprises in line with our aims.
The Wye NNR is owned by Natural England, the public body charged with protecting and promoting enjoyment of the natural environment. We will post more information on the history and importance of the Wye NNR here soon.
To view a map of the land to be grazed by the WCF click here. For 2008 the fields we will be grazing are numbers 3,5,6,7,8,9
The Livestock
Choosing agricultural enterprises to introduce to the Wye NNR is relatively straightforward, given that the land is only suitable for extensive grazing. To meet the aims of both Natural England and WCF, we needed to select a breed of cattle which would:
The Wye Herd of British White Cattle, having their first feed and settling down for the night, 29 Feb 2008.
Balancing cattle numbers to the grazing requirements of the NNR is going to be a challenge, and building up the British White numbers will be a long term process. To introduce flexibility into the system, three Sussex cattle have been added since they are equally suited to requirements and, being the local breed, are relatively easy to source. See www.sussexcattlesociety.org.uk for more on the breed.
Recently, a neighbour to the Wye NNR invited the WCF to graze a paddock adjoining his house. The WCF team therefore bought three Dorset Horn ewes with lambs at foot.
Then, a further two local residents invited WCF to graze land in Withersdane, closer to Wye, allowing an increase in sheep numbers. There are now 18 Poll Dorset/ Dorset Horn ewes with lambs at foot. The best of the ewe lambs will be retained to expand the flock, with the rest being fattened for sale.
Eco-friendly scrub clearance: The Wye herd getting stuck into overgrown areas of the Wye NNR.
Community Involvement
Part of the arrangement with Natural England is that WCF will provide input to the management of the reserve. WCF volunteer work parties – see diary – will carry out practical tasks such as fencing, coppicing and litter picking.
WyeCycle clearing fly-tipped freezers on behalf of WCF
To read the text which previously appeared here relating to the tender for the Wye College Farm, see the archived About the Farm text on the links page.
A Plea from WCF: If you are farming yourself, and would like to provide ‘in kind’ assistance to the Wye Community Farm, it would be of immense help. The farm would particularly like the following (we would be delighted to collect from anywhere in the UK): A farm vehicle A livestock trailer A lamb weigh crate Any miscellaneous livestock equipment, such as gates, troughs, calving ropes, lamb adopters, lamps and workshop tools and equipment |
The LandIn the spring 2008, Wye Community Farm (WCF) secured the rights to graze part of the Wye National Nature Reserve (NNR). Further land and buildings are being pursued, in order to create a viable unit and allow for a range of enterprises in line with our aims.
The Wye NNR is owned by Natural England, the public body charged with protecting and promoting enjoyment of the natural environment. We will post more information on the history and importance of the Wye NNR here soon.
To view a map of the land to be grazed by the WCF click here. For 2008 the fields we will be grazing are numbers 3,5,6,7,8,9
The Livestock
Choosing agricultural enterprises to introduce to the Wye NNR is relatively straightforward, given that the land is only suitable for extensive grazing. To meet the aims of both Natural England and WCF, we needed to select a breed of cattle which would:
- Thrive on the poor quality grazing and browse the scrub, so as to maintain habitats for the target species of wildlife.
- Produce quality beef for direct sale, with minimal input of concentrate feed.
- Provide interest for WCF members and visitors to the NNR.
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Balancing cattle numbers to the grazing requirements of the NNR is going to be a challenge, and building up the British White numbers will be a long term process. To introduce flexibility into the system, three Sussex cattle have been added since they are equally suited to requirements and, being the local breed, are relatively easy to source. See www.sussexcattlesociety.org.uk for more on the breed.
Recently, a neighbour to the Wye NNR invited the WCF to graze a paddock adjoining his house. The WCF team therefore bought three Dorset Horn ewes with lambs at foot.
Then, a further two local residents invited WCF to graze land in Withersdane, closer to Wye, allowing an increase in sheep numbers. There are now 18 Poll Dorset/ Dorset Horn ewes with lambs at foot. The best of the ewe lambs will be retained to expand the flock, with the rest being fattened for sale.
Eco-friendly scrub clearance: The Wye herd getting stuck into overgrown areas of the Wye NNR.
Community Involvement
Part of the arrangement with Natural England is that WCF will provide input to the management of the reserve. WCF volunteer work parties – see diary – will carry out practical tasks such as fencing, coppicing and litter picking.
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To read the text which previously appeared here relating to the tender for the Wye College Farm, see the archived About the Farm text on the links page.
