Broom's Barn Applied Crop Sciences

Caring for the Environment

In 2006 we entered the British Trust for Ornithology's Business Bird Challenge and gained a conservation award in the Research and Light Industry category. This follows on from similar awards in earlier Bird Challenges (in 2000 and 2004).

Recent habitat changes

In order to further improve the farm for wildlife, in 2008 we created a new pond in a corner of a field that was difficult to cultivate. We didn't use a liner and so were concerned that the water would drain away quickly. However, it retained water throughout the long dry spell in summer, although by late summer there was only an inch or two of water even in the deepest places - it was 3-4 feet deep when it was created. In 2009 too it nearly dried out, just retaining water in one small area.

Using an infra-red camera we have monitored activity at the pond. It has been visited mallards, moorhens and even a young heron. During dry weather many birds come down to the edge to drink.

creating new pond heron

Below are listed other habitat improvements which have been carried out on the station

Aims and Achievements

Whilst the funding we receive at Broom's Barn is mostly for studies on pests, diseases, genetics and agronomy of the crop, the environment is an important consideration in all our research.

Also, many members of staff have an interest in natural history and are concerned about protecting the environment and, indeed, improving it for the plants and animals on the farm. Below are listed some of the initiatives we have taken at Broom's Barn towards this goal.

New hedgerows have been created and existing ones widened, using native species of trees and shrubs.
Grass verges at the edges of fields are mown only once a year to allow wild plants to flower and, hopefully, multiply. As a result of this policy the bee orchids on the farm have flowered and appear to have spread, and our extensive primrose bank has been maintained in good order.
Wildflower strips have been created on some fields. As well as helping to preserve wildflowers in the countryside they also provide food and habitat for field-resident birds such as grey partridge.
For several years Broom's Barn monitored its bird population, as part of the British Trust for Ornithology's Common Bird Census. From this, and from general observation, we know that there are several species breeding on the farm which are in decline nationally (e.g. skylark, song thrush, spotted flycatcher) and we will carry out any habitat management that is appropriate, and reasonably possible, in order to keep them.
A variety of nest boxes has been installed around the station.
Log piles have been constructed to provide habitats for lizards and other small animals.
From a bat survey carried out we discovered a serotine bat roost on the station.
Broom's Barn is a member of the Farming Wildlife and Advisory Group, with which it has consulted regarding improving the farm for wildlife.
Some limited studies of the impact of novel farm practices on the environment are currently carried out and funding for others will be sought.
Green waste from the glasshouses is composted, and much of our other waste (e.g. old computers) is sent for recycling rather than for landfill.
Staff are encouraged to participate in the local council's blue bin scheme for recycling waste