Farming and the Environment

In addition to meeting our customer quality and due diligence audits, we recognise that these results must be achieved in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable way. For this purpose we have set ourselves targets. Our waste levels are monitored monthly. As part of our Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste Regulations 1997), we are obliged to recover and recycle our packaging materials to agreed set targets. This is fulfilled through membership of the Valpak scheme. 

We measure our impact on the local wildlife population. Members of the local ornithological society regularly carry out bird surveys, and the results are recorded on a database. Last summer, Barn Owls continued to patrol the immediate site, and Buzzards have paired and set up a territory within our farm boundaries. We recognise that we are only part of the environmental answer but we will continue to strive to be an environmental "sink", encouraging biodiversity wherever possible and appropriate. 

Precision farming techniques ensure that inputs of chemicals, fertilizers and water are kept to the absolute minimum to meet a crop's needs. Wherever possible, beneficial insects rather than chemicals are used to control pests. If control is required by chemical means, then careful selection of pesticides are made by BASIS qualified staff and advisors, and by careful use we aim to minimize their environmental impact; maximize their effectiveness and lastly minimize risk of residues on any of our products. The process being carried out with modern machinery by qualified personnel. This process ensures our produce is of the right quality, remains wholesome and has the provenance of being grown with minimum impact on the environment.

Through regularly reviewing our Farm Conservation Plans, we aim to continue to sustain and enhance the beauty of our landscape. To continue to improve and extend wildlife habitats whilst creating new habitats, landscapes and improved opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside.