Matt Dowen and Eric Walters, Good Small Farms, Gloucestershire 3/3
How do you monitor it?
We carried out a baseline biodiversity survey in September 2021. However we can’t expect this to be the definitive list of what is present on the farm as it was only a few days in a specific month. Instead we are using it as a guide and carrying out ongoing surveys: We have a local ecologist who visits the farm once a month to carry out a survey. This is adding to our body of knowledge about what is on the farm and we should be able to notice changes in populations as well as new species as and when these occur.
(Photo: a Spring Harvestman by Graeme Davis)
Are there any benefits to the farm that are directly attributable to the Pasture for Life approach and/or would be lost if there were no ruminant animals on the farm? In brief, what are the benefits from having ruminant animals on the farm?
We believe that our Pasture for Life approach ensures a diverse mix of forage is available for our cows. This helps them to self medicate (while always being cautious they don’t gorge like humans do when they see something tasty!) and to remain healthy throughout their lives. We believe that the soil needs animal impact and our cattle are carrying out that function. Encouraging a living soil and letting nature take hold of the farm adds to the resilience and health of our farm and local ecosystem.
What lessons have you learnt and would like to share with others?
As we are only at the beginning of our story, our lessons are still unfolding. At the outset, we assumed there were definitive answers to some of the questions we had but soon realised that there are many acceptable answers and that context prevails as the most important consideration. There are many people with loud voices who will tell you there is a definitive answer but we have found reason and humility in the PfL members sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience. So perhaps our lesson is to not isolate yourself with whatever difficulties you are facing because there is a whole network of extremely knowledgeable and generous PfL members out there!
Read about the other biodiversity case studies.
