The introduction of pedigree cattle, ponds, hedgerows and species-rich grassland is yielding positive results for two farmers and wildlife, particularly lapwings, at Ingleby Greenhow.
Stretching across 101 hectares near the foot of Ingleby Incline you will find New Sheepfold Farm, which is run by Mark and Louise Day.
Driven by a desire to help feed the nation, but in a way that supports and works with nature, as well as maintaining high animal welfare, they embarked on a wholescale farm regeneration plan.
This included selling their existing dairy herd and purchasing pedigree Shorthorn cattle, a breed that originated from North East England.
With support from the Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, they also undertook a variety of schemes to enhance and connect habitats across the farm.
Soil analysis and support from Lordington Park Agronomy led to improved soil health through the enhancement of species-rich grassland swards. Such measures not only protect soil from erosion, but provide diverse forage for livestock, improving both welfare and productivity.
The creation of ponds and scrapes (shallow ponds that hold water seasonally), with advice from the National Park’s ecology team, has also provided a greater diversity of wetlands. Since being in place, Mark and Louise have seen an increase in the number of lapwing chicks and next year they hope it will lead to more curlews that stay and breed.
Dave Arnott, Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer, said: “Increased sightings of lapwing chicks is amazing to see. Breeding lapwings love this type of open, short grassland as they can keep a close eye on any predators. Once the chicks hatch, these new wetland areas will be fantastic and provide plenty of insects for the chicks to feed on.”
The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme supports a wide range of initiatives that seek to benefit climate, nature, people and place. One of these outcomes is to support ‘an increase in the resilience of nature friendly sustainable farm businesses’.
Alongside the habitat enhancement work, which also saw the creation of 113 metres of new hedgerows, Mark and Louise received funding to purchase a meat vending machine, giving a new function to one of the historical farm buildings, whilst providing additional income through the sales of their grass-fed native beef and lamb. This vending machine can now be accessed by the public everyday between 8am-8pm and also supports their shepherd hut holiday let business also on the farm.
To learn more about other schemes being supported through the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, head to the project webpage.