Re-wilding on the farm

Sustainability is really important to us all.   Lorna, Anna’s mother who lives at Preston Court and manages the farm is a passionate environmentalist and embarked on a re-wilding and regeneration project 26 years ago.

Re-Wilding and Sustainability of The Water Meadows:  The Wilderness is, at its heart, a family run farm with a long-term vision to restore nature and a commitment to the sustainability of the landscape and land.

‘Re-Wilding’ & Natural Regeneration Programme,’

The Boat House on the water meadow may not be fully viewable – this is because during winter months when we don’t have any events, we allow the 30 acre water meadow to return to its natural state.  The grass will be uneven and the water meadow is waterlogged. 

The water encourages dipping birds and in spring time through summer many rare birds nest here. Turtle Dove, Lapwing, Plover & Skylark have all been spotted.

The undisturbed ditches and water ways around The Wilderness allow for unusual aquatic plants and insects to thrive.

The tall Reeds provide a habitat for rare birds such as Bearded tits.

The other benefit of the re-wilding project is that the peat in the soil captures and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide reducing the amount of harmful carbon, therefore reducing global climate change.

The Role Cows have in Re-Wilding

In the autumn and spring time, Farmer Bertie’s cows can be seen grazing the pastures which are made of peat. The grazing activities of the cows can indirectly contribute to the maintenance of vegetation, which is essential for carbon sequestration in these ecosystems.

When cows graze in peatlands, they help maintain the vegetation in these areas. Healthy vegetation, such as grasses and sedges, plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. As plants grow, they take in CO2 and store carbon in their tissues.

Additionally, cows’ grazing activities can also stimulate the growth of certain types of vegetation, particularly in areas where they disturb the soil with their hooves. This disturbance can create opportunities for new plant growth, contributing to the overall productivity of the peatland ecosystem.

Furthermore, by keeping the vegetation in check, cows can prevent the overgrowth of certain plant species that might outcompete others, thus promoting a diverse plant community.

Having been part of a re-wilding project for nearly three decades the lake is a sanctuary for wildlife.  In summer there are dragonflies, butterflies and you may even spot a swan.   Dipping birds such as lapwing are often visiting and you may hear the sound of the marsh frogs.

Pesticides, herbicides are not used & any mechanical movements are kept to an absolute minimum.

We all love our environment ethos and last year we decided to start planting a tree to celebrate every event we host.