Paul and Nicola Renison, Cannerheugh Farm, Cumbria 2/3
How is it connected across the farm and beyond?
We have worked hard to create wildlife corridors across the farm, from small patches of woodland, riparian strips and hedges, including a five-metre wide hedge. There is still a long way to go and progress takes time. The 100 acres of wood pasture that has just been planted on our high ground will take decades to properly establish but one day it will be awesome!
What are the benefits to the farm and is it increasing its climate and business resilience? If so, in what way?
As we have changed the way we farm the benefits slowly start to reveal themselves. It doesn’t happen quickly to begin with but it soon gathers pace and after a few years things ‘start to sing’. Alder starts regenerating along the side of becks. Hawthorns pop up in woods. Cocksfoot and Yarrow that have always been in our pasture start to flourish. The soil becomes less compacted. The water-holding capacity rockets and periods of heavy rain are not the threat they once were. The mob grazing and bale-grazing systems which allow us to keep the cows out far longer benefit herd health and also keeps costs down.
