Knapweed on a six metre wide Field Margin at Cobbs Wood Farm
- The RSPB 2009 farmland bird survey at Cobbs Wood far
Well established Beetle Bank on Cobbs Wood Farm
FARMLAND BIRDS
Over the past few decades there has been a large drop in the populations of some farmland birds due to modern agricultural practices, the use of herbicides, pesticides and the removal of ditches and hedgerows have all led to the decline.
Skylark on the clover leys
Wimpole Estate has in the past left 3-6m margins in most of the in hand arable fields and replaced throughout the estate many of the removed hedgerows. The hedges have been allowed to grow taller before cutting with many hedges being layed to enhance the field margins and to encourage flowers, insects and birds to flourish.
Grey partridge near the Mare’s way on the clover leys
The in hand farmland is now two years into converting to Organic Farming resulting in an improvement for all wildlife. You now regularly see English Partridge, Skylarks, Corn Buntings, Yelllow Hammers, Linnets. Beside these farmland birds, butterflies, dragon flies are on the increase as with Birds of Prey
The Farm has also entered the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme resulting in replacing more historical hedges which in turn will create even more field margins.
The farm has also created Beetle Banks, a haven for flowers and insects.
The RSPB 2009 farmland bird survey at Cobbs Wood farm
The RSPB 2009 bird survey at Valley farm
