Environment

Red Berries in hedge Crab Apples in Hedgerow

Tiptoe Farm has the LEAF Marque accreditation, and this is the back bone to all our farm practices. We have an annual inspection that takes place to ensure that we are farming in an environmentally friendly way. Some examples of this are the 6 meter grass strips in the fields, with herbs and flower mixtures to encourage bees, and birds. In April 2008 we are delighted that we have 3 knowledgeable volunteers from the RSPB carrying out a valuable Bird Survey. We should have the results by October 08, and this will help us to encourage, and maintain more birds.

The riverbank is recognised as SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and this means that area is protected. There is fishing on the river Till and this can be described as "wild" and is managed accordingly.

In 05 and 06 we were Finalists in the "LEAF Marque Grower of the Year" Competition sponsored kindly by Waitrose.

In early September 06 Tiptoe farm won the the overall Most Beautiful Farm in Britain and The Most Beautiful Arable Farm. We are all thrilled with this, which demonstrates that all the environmental work that we are doing has been recognised. Visit the News Section for more details.

Environmental Plans for 2007/08

In 2008 and onwards we are working on the restoration and development of a Mill Pond area.
We plan to grow many plants to encourage more wildlife.

Mill Pond area March 2007
The woodlands have been graded as A & SNW (Ancient & Semi Natural Woodlands) We have a responsibility to manage, which we do by looking after the trees that are there, and by planting more.
In September 2008 Terry Laybourne, a North East chef is opening our farm as a LEAF Demonstration Farm, so that we can invite people to come and see for themselves the way we farm, and grow the Heritage Potatoes. The organisation LEAF have been providing us with the training to do this!

Six metre strips in field Rowan Berries in Hedgerow