REGENERATIVE FARMING
Sustainable food production lies at the heart of the Estate’s approach to managing its farmed landscape.
Sustainable food production lies at the heart of the Estate’s approach to managing its farmed landscape.
FARMING POLICY
Over the past five years, the Estate has transitioned to a farming system that no longer relies on inorganic fertilisers or chemical sprays. Instead, the focus is on protecting and enhancing soil health while reducing fossil fuel emissions through minimal mechanical intervention.
A core element of the Estate’s soil strategy is maintaining year-round green cover, largely achieved through the use of micro-leafed clover. This cover crop plays a vital role in:
- Preventing soil erosion from wind, water and oxidation
- Fixing nitrogen in the soil to naturally boost fertility
Extensive baseline soil studies have been carried out to monitor changes in structure and composition over time. These practices are not only improving the health and fertility of the soil but are also expected to increase soil carbon sequestration, supporting the fight against climate change.
FARMING PRACTICES
The Estate manages 500 acres (200 hectares) directly, and has fully adopted the principles of the regenerative farming movement, centred around five core pillars:
- Minimising soil disturbance
- Maximising species diversity
- Maintaining constant soil cover
- Encouraging continuous living root systems
- Integrating livestock into the rotation
FARMING & WILDLIFE
At Packington, farming and nature go hand-in-hand. Alongside changes to farming strategy, the Estate has dedicated 150 acres (60 hectares) to deliver measurable environmental benefits, including:
- Grass margins that provide habitat and shelter for wildlife
- Flower-rich corridors that serve as vital food sources for invertebrates and pollinators
- Planting of species that offer an overwinter food supply for farmland birds
