Conservation

The farm is involved in one of the largest Higher Level Countryside Stewardship (HLS) agreements in the country. This means that substantial areas of land are managed in ways which help encourage wildlife by establishing and protecting many varied and specific habitats.

In 2007, 24 kilometres of new fences have been put in and in 2008 and 2009 a lot of new hedges will be planted.

All of the 600 acres (243 hectares) of grassland are tied into this HLS agreement and carry a herd of 30 Longhorn cattle and a flock of 300 Wiltshire Horn sheep, which are designated as native breeds at risk. There are also a few Hebridean sheep too. The Hebridean sheep are specifically used for their ability to improve rough grassland by eating down the brambles and other less palatable plants that other livestock choose to leave.

The meat (lamb and beef) from these animals is retailed directly to the public via a “box scheme”.

The majority of the area grazed by this livestock is chalk grassland and hawthorn scrub. This habitat is an important feature of the Chilterns.

The grass ‘parkland’ at King’s Walden was originally an ancient deer park and has its origins in medieval times.

Flora and Fauna

Important flora and fauna on the farm includes: barn owls, little owls buzzards, red kite, and breeding lapwing. Initial visits by the county ornithologist suggest that already there has been a significant increase in the number of finches, barn owls and English partridge on the farm. There will be another bird survey carried out later this year and we shall await the results with great interest.

Several unusual plants have been identified, including sharp-fruited corn salad, Venus’ looking-glass, round-leaved fluellen and dwarf spurge. The Pyramidal orchid is also present on Offley Hoo, in addition to the common spotted orchid.