Sustainability
The environment and sustainability are at the core of what we all do at Honeychop
As a family business and seventh generation farmers we care passionately about the environment and the future of our planet. As custodians of the countryside we all want to leave an enhanced environment and secure future for generations to come.
For the past 16 years we have committed over 10% of our farmed land to biodiversity and habitat creation. In 2004 this was way ahead of current thinking, but the environment and sustainability has always been central to our philosophy. Our farms are now enhanced with patches of specifically sown bird mixes and areas of pollen and nectar rich plants which are all connected by established hedges and ponds where birds and insect life thrive.
In partnership with The Wildlife Trusts
We use specialist advisors whom we work with to continuously enhance and fine tune the biodiversity on our farms and the land and soils that we grow our crops on.
To ensure this is effective we have a working Landscape Management Plan designed specifically for our farms which aims to create and improve habitats across our landscape. This is continuously reviewed to make sure we are focusing on areas that most need our attention. The plan includes the restoration of meadows, ancient orchards, ponds, and the replanting of hedgerows and woodland as well as landscape recovery.
To ensure we have healthy crops for our horse feeds we also focus on how we can grow them to best preserve our environment and enhance our future. We improve soil health and organic matter by using conservation tillage techniques which also reduces our carbon impact.
Biodiversity and sustainability of our farms
Our emphasis over the past 16 years on enhancing the biodiversity and sustainability of our farms has shown an increase in many species due to the conservation methods we have in place. These include several Red List pollinators, birds, and moth species.
Our farm and environment are not just for us; we share our knowledge and educate children from local schools and groups and engage the community in what we are doing.
The success of our farming practices has featured on BBC radio, Channel 4 news, ITN news and local media as well as YouTube channels. We are leaders in sustainable farming and ensure that our future is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages our customers in the importance of nurturing the world around us for future generations.
For more information please visit:
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/
https://leafuk.org/
https://fairtonature.org/
Photography courtesy of: www.mikerae.com