Farm TrailsTeacher's NotesAbout Organic Farming
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Old hedge lines
1

Old hedge lines

   Track verges
2

Track verges

   Old oaks
3

Old oaks

   Old meadow
4

Old meadow

   Old clay pits
5

Old clay pits

   Laying Hens
6

Hedgerow restoration

   Cereals
7

Cereal crops

  Woodland edge
8

Woodland edge

   Farm buildings
9

Farm buildings

  
Elm farm map Old hedge lines Track verges Old Oaks Old meadow Old clay pits Hedgerow restoration Cereal crops Woodland edge Farm buildings Hedgerow Restoration

Hedgerow restoration

The hedges on the farm are being restored using traditional methods. A different hedge is 'layed' each year which means cutting back mature shrubs to encourage fresh young growth to grow from the base. By doing this on a rotation, a different length of hedge is layed each year providing a range of habitats for wild plants and animals.

  • Organic farms do not cut their hedges between April and August when plants are flowering and birds nesting

  • Organic farms cut their hedges on a two to three year cycle to provide more fruit and food for wildlife.

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» DID YOU KNOW?

Some hedgerows may date from ancient woodland that once covered the country. The patchwork of hedgerows was greatest in the 19th century, providing a haven for flora, fauna and wildlife. But in the last half century, industrial farming practices have led to the destruction of thousands of miles of hedgerow.
© Soil Association 2000-2004