Been kind to the bees & the environment

We're eager to delve into a discussion about conservation, a topic we've touched on in previous blogs without going into our specific plans and aspirations.

Cowran Estate serves as both our location and vision for enhancing biodiversity on its 100 acre agriculturally & horticultural -used site.

The detrimental effects of modern agriculture on a global scale, the estate is committed to implementing practices that prioritise sustainability and environmental health.

Despite the common perception that farmers are environmentally friendly stewards of the land, David Attenborough himself has highlighted a concerning reality: many gardens host more biodiversity than vast expanses of the countryside. This unsettling statistic underscores the urgent need for improved agricultural practices and conservation efforts.

Our vision involves implementing a biodiverse network of natural and native species of animals and plants at Cowran Estate, fostering a holistic approach to land management that integrates agriculture and horticulture.

This entails reimagining traditional agricultural practices to minimise their impact on the environment.

For instance, the routine plowing of fields, a common sight in agriculture, can have detrimental effects on soil health. The weight of modern tractors and equipment not only compacts the soil but also disrupts the habitat for beneficial organisms like worms. This disruption can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.

A lagre part of most farms is haymaking and silage, essential practices for livestock farming. However, the current approach often prioritises yield over ecological health, resulting in a loss of biodiversity. Fields dominated by monotonous grasses, devoid of vibrant wildflowers, are a common sight due to these practices.

Additionally, modern hedge-laying methods and the replacement of natural hedges with post-and-rail structures contribute to the decline of the countryside's interconnected ecosystem.

To counter these changes, we aim to restore and diversify the landscape, creating habitats for various wildlife.

Even small adjustments in our practices, whether in modern agriculture or within our own backyards, can yield significant benefits for a wide range of wildlife—from small insects and birds to larger mammals and native reptiles. The countryside serves as a haven for wildlife, thriving when we provide support that encompasses the land, water systems, and surrounding air. Assisting farmers is just one avenue through which we aim to instigate these minor yet impactful changes. Education plays a crucial role in disseminating methods that benefit all living beings, and our message aims to reach and be understood by diverse audiences.

While there are numerous areas to address in implementing necessary changes, we are initiating this journey at Cowran Estate. By endorsing and replicating the vision established there, we hope to contribute to a broader framework, adding structure to larger plans and ideas for the benefit of both wildlife and the environment in the future.

In collaboration with the education centre at Cowran Estate, we plan to incorporate a curriculum that emphasises the importance of conservation. This includes projects like native bug hotels and birdhouses, fostering a connection between students and their natural surroundings.

We are committed to enhancing water systems such as local streams and creating new ponds, intending to establish new microclimates. Combining ideas on both small and large scales will significantly impact current biodiversity.

In our effort to introduce many native rare wildflowers and herbs, we plan to monitor progress in a clever and unique manner—utilising bees. These industrious pollinators not only aid in pollinating plants but, within their hives, store pollen separately from each species of plants and flowers. Observing the bees' pollen stores allows us to assess their productivity in producing pollen and supporting insects, enabling us to focus on sharing and outlining future plans that are most beneficial for nature and wildlife.

We encourage individuals to replicate these efforts in their own spaces, whether it's a garden or backyard, by inviting wildlife to thrive and contribute to a healthier, more diverse environment.