More than just one muddy puddle – Farm Visit

Last week I was invited by the Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer for the upper Bure to visit a farm to see how the Higher Level Stewardship modifications in land use  had reduced run off into the river Bure. Although familiar with many of the intervention measures to see these in action and how the landscape had visually changed has been enlightening to my research. Many other interested parties came along, from the National Trust estate and other farmers, land managers with real insight into the positive benefits provided by the farmer and the various Natural England staff. I knew the farm well but went away enlightened about the integrated mitigation measures which were being used.

It was a beautiful day for a walk around the farm, watching a flock of farmland birds landing in the wild bird mix highlighted the importance of diverse habitat in agricultural landscapes. I also discovered that on this farm a change of land use from arable to grassland on the steeper slopes  to prevent soil erosion also provided a stopgap grazing area for the cattle. Having listened to several academic talks on the source -> pathway -> receptor message I was impressed by how much importance was given to identifying and mitigating the various sources of runoff/pollutants on the farm.

After seeing the measures on the farm guests were invited to walk along the river bank to see the simple and exceptionally effective (and award winning!) techniques used to restore sections of the River Bure to a more natural fully functioning river system which is better able to deal with run off, flood water and siltation. The river was running high showing the importance of the wetlands meadow to each  side for “seasonal inundation” reducing the flashiness of the catchment to rainfall.

Honesty was important throughout the day, some measures don’t work as well as others – a key message that communication between those who manage the landscape is vital in order to learn about what works and what doesn’t. Something which does work is offering guests locally grown meat as a BBQ over which ideas can be discussed, it was delicious and a bonus as I had no idea we would be fed!

More Information about the day can be found on the EDP link here