Farm-visit spree culminates in a celebration: three farms traversed over two days, concluding with a lively gathering.
Doddington Hall's Rewilding Project Aims to Boost Biodiversity
Doddington Hall, a 16th-century family home and popular tourist attraction, is embarking on a significant rewilding project across its 1,900-acre estate. The aim is to create a haven for native species, reduce flooding in Lincoln, and promote natural habitats for wildlife to thrive.
The estate, which was previously dominated by arable fields, now shows a high level of biodiversity, with the recent observation of House Martins actively flying and thriving on the estate. This suggests that the rewilding efforts are having a positive impact on native bird populations.
While the specifics on the full scope and methods of the rewilding project are not widely available, the presence of breeding House Martins is a positive indicator of ecological restoration progress. The focus seems to be on enhancing natural ecosystems over large land areas to support biodiversity.
Inkpot Organic Farm, a converted 18-acre arable field, was visited as part of the project. The farm, run by the Hill family and their team, demonstrates the potential for transforming farmland into thriving gardens and permanent pastures.
The estate is not only focusing on wildlife but also on sustainable farming practices. The Lincoln Red cattle are managed using GPS collars as an alternative to traditional electric fencing. This innovative approach allows for more natural grazing patterns, benefiting both the cattle and the land.
The estate's two-acre walled kitchen garden has recently been converted to a no-dig system, further emphasising the commitment to sustainable practices. The garden supplies fresh produce for the estate's BBQ events, which feature local produce from nearby farms, such as Hills Farm, Small Food Bakery, Dalton's Dairy, Cosyn Cymru, and South Ormsby Estate.
The rewilding project is part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship. Chris Baines, a renowned environmental campaigner with 50 years of experience, has been involved in the project. His expertise in horticulture, gained from his studies at Wye College in the late 1960s, is invaluable in guiding the rewilding efforts.
Isobel Wright, project manager of Wilder Doddington, discussed the livestock management changes necessary for the rewilding project. Her insights provide a roadmap for the transformation of the estate into a thriving ecosystem that supports a wide variety of species.
Carrie Rimes, with her experience in grassland ecology and cheesemaking, is putting her skills into practice in North Wales. Her work demonstrates the potential for rewilding projects to inspire and inform conservation efforts beyond Doddington Hall.
The rewilding project at Doddington Hall is a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to environmental stewardship. As the project progresses, it will serve as a model for other landowners seeking to promote biodiversity and support wildlife in their own estates.
[1] Source: Personal observation by project team members. Additional sources or direct project reports from Doddington Hall would be necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the rewilding plan.
- The rewilding project at Doddington Hall expands beyond wildlife, encompassing sustainable farm management practices such as the use of GPS collars for herd management and no-dig garden systems for food production.
- Isobel Wright's insights into livestock management changes are instrumental in the transformation of the Doddington Hall estate into a thriving ecosystem, promoting biodiversity within the context of permaculture.
- Carrie Rimes, with her expertise in grassland ecology and cheesemaking, serves as an inspiration for others involved in rewilding efforts, demonstrating the potential fusion of fashion-and-beauty (artisanal cheese) with home-and-garden (rewilding projects) and food-and-drink (local produce) practices.
- The travel industry could learn from Doddington Hall's rewilding project, showcasing how a commitment to environmental stewardship can attract eco-conscious tourists, offering unique experiences in biodiverse landscapes that support native species.
