On Thursday, our Chief Executive Mike Clarke handed-in a Christmas hamper and card to Minister George Eustice to demonstrate the support we’ve had for wildlife-friendly farming.
Over the past few days, we’ve showcased some products which were included in the hamper (see here and here). Today we’ll feature the last few lovely items included that have all come from farmers who work with wildlife in mind.
Jordans Cereal
Robert Law from Thrift Farm in Hertfordshire supplies oats for Jordans cereals, whose founder Bill Jordan pioneered the Conservation Grade farming scheme. His farm is a shining example of the integration of wildlife-friendly farming into a successful commercial business.
Robert included the following message in the hamper:
“I grow wheat, barley, oats and rye for The Jordan’s & Ryvita Company on my Conservation Grade farm, as well as rearing lambs that I sell locally. It makes sense to me to grow crops and rear livestock on my most productive land, and manage some of the less productive areas for wildlife.
Through the work I’ve done, the farm is now an oasis for corn buntings, grey partridges and rare chalkhill blue butterflies. I’m always seeking to evaluate our progress and try new methods, focusing on what works best for the species on my farm. The results are vibrant, living proof that wildlife-friendly farming can be integrated into a successful commercial business.”
West Yeo Farm Wool Liner and Socks
The wool from West Yeo Farm is made from environmentally friendly fibres. The wool liner and socks are from Robert James and Kate Palmer’s organic sheep.
They included the following message in the hamper:
“West Yeo Farm is a self-sufficient organic mixed farm in Devon. We don’t just produce the finest organic produce - we’re also passionate about conservation and traditional farming methods. Organic arable fields allow for rare arable weeds to grow, providing food for skylarks and yellowhammers.
We sell our organic meat directly to our customers and produce organic wool products. It’s so rewarding to see how nature has responded - the farm is now alive with wildlife. However we need help from the Government to continue to farming as we are - there needs to be better understanding of these special places, and support for farming systems such as ours.”
English Willow Hamper Basket
PH Coate and Son has been growing 'Withies' and producing wicker baskets and willow products since 1819 and the willow hamper is handmade in Somerset, England.
The following message was included with the basket:
“Our company PH Coate and Son has been growing “withies” and producing wicker baskets since 1819.
We’re based in the Somerset Levels. This unique landscape gives the perfect conditions for willow growing. During the summer months, the willow beds provide homes and shelter for many species of birds and other animals. Willow growing is part of the rich environmental heritage of this area. Both the commercial willow crops and the pollarded willow trees contribute to the character and image of the region.
This hamper was created by one of our specialist basket weavers, using techniques that have been unchanged for generations.”
Don't forget to click on the links above to find out more information about the products including where you can buy each item.
And a final thank you to all who contributed to the 133,000 actions taken to support wildlife-friendly farming over the past few months and years. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.