Biodiversity in & around arable fields at Green Acres

Biodiversity in & around arable fields at Green Acres

by Amy Oboussier

Britain's biodiversity has been in decline since the arrival of the first mesolithic farmer around 7,000 years ago saw the clearing and cultivation of native woodland and grasslands.

This decline accelerated through successive agricultural and industrial revolutions to the point where the UK is among the most nature-depleted countries in Europe with only half of its natural biodiversity remaining. Over the last 50 years, 41% of UK species have declined under pressure from agriculture, urbanisation, pollution and climate change.

With 72% of UK land managed for agriculture, farming as a key role to play in protecting and even restoring biodiversity. More farms are showing how this can be done both within and around productive land.

The organic fields at Green Acres Farm in Shropshire are filled with diversity, both agrobiodiversity in the species, varieties and populations of crops, and wider biodiversity from healthy soil microbia to a flourishing range of plant, insect, animal and bird species.

Mark and Liz Lea have grown organic peas of many varieties for us for over the last 10 years, including yellow, blue, marrowfat and most often beautiful maple or carlin peas, with distinctive purple flowers and red-brown mature peas.

Carlin peas in flower at Green Acres FarmCarlin peas in flower at Green Acres Farm, Kemberton, Shropshire

The farm produces a wide range of other crops, including a wide range of heritage and population wheats, oats and sometimes other crops like buckwheat.

Many of the cereals at Green Acres are grown through ‘living mulches’.This approach protects the soil, reduces the need for tillage & fixes nitrogen whilst at the same time provides a valuable in-field habitat for invertebrates.

Clover mulch in arable field at Green Acres Farm, ShropshireWheat growing through clover mulch

Grass field margins play a key role in supporting wider biodiversity on farms. These strips of vegetation around the edges of arable fields are often vibrant with wildflower species in the spring. Year-round they provide vital habitats for many plant and animal species.

  • Habitat for Wildlife: Field margins can provide a sanctuary for wildlife including insects, birds and small mammals. The vegetation offers shelter, nesting sites and sources of food.
  • Enhancing Pollination: Flowering plants in field margins attract pollinators including bees and butterflies. By providing them with a nearby habitat, field margins support their populations and promote effective pollination. 🪱 Soil Protection: The vegetation in field margins helps prevent soil erosion by reducing the impact of wind and water runoff. Plant roots hold the soil in place, preventing valuable topsoil from being washed away. This protects the fertility of the land and helps maintain water quality and reduce flooding.
  • Natural Pest Control: Field margins can act as a natural barrier, attracting beneficial insects that prey on pests harmful to crops. By promoting a balanced ecosystem, we reduce the need for synthetic pesticides.
  • Biodiversity Hotspots: Field margins contribute to biodiversity by increasing the number of plant and animal species in the farmed environment. Field margins are an important part of agroecological farming.
Wildflowers growing in field margin at Green Acres Farm, ShropshireWildflowers in the 6m grass margin of Mark and Liz Lea’s silage field at Green Acres Farm in Shropshire.

Read more about Green Acres and other farms we work with in Sheaf: Harvest 2022.




Amy Oboussier
Amy Oboussier

Author



Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Hodmeblog

Liberty Fields: Cultivating Taste, Tradition, and Sustainability
Liberty Fields: Cultivating Taste, Tradition, and Sustainability

by Amy Oboussier

A few years ago we were looking for a sweetner for some granola recipes, something UK produced and minimally processed. When our apple syrup order from Liberty Fields arrived we knew we were onto something special - we quickly added them to our short list of brilliant Guest Producers

Read More

Getting more pulses & grains into British kitchens with Holland & Barrett
Getting more pulses & grains into British kitchens with Holland & Barrett

by Nick Saltmarsh

We've launched ten pulses and grains from British farms as part of Holland & Barrett's transformation of their food range, available in their stores across the UK. It's a fantastic opportunity to make British-grown fava beans, carlin peas and quinoa, along with other pulses and cereals, available more widely and to support more diverse farming.

Read More

Julie Bailey's orchard
Apple Natural: wholesome fruit snacks from a traditional Cornish orchard

by Amy Oboussier

Down a warren of country lanes, not far from the Tamar Valley in Cornwall, is Julie Bailey's orchard Lower Trelabe, where she grows historic local varieties of apple and makes her delicious Apple Natural apple shreds, traditional fruit leathers that contain only the natural plant sugars.

Read More