169
Hectares
54
Field parcels
£4,811
Cost of project
Project aims
To restore grassland using Holistic Planned Grazing on 169ha to prevent overgrazing (i.e. allowing the plants to fully regrow before they are re-grazed) and compaction, and to increase the density and diversity of the sward through management of animal impact.
Timeline
November 2022:
- Start rotational grazing using temporary electric fencing and mobile water troughs (drag troughs).
- Cattle will be out for 12 months of the year. Enables better grassland management and protection of watercourses.
- Monitoring of grazing management begins (ongoing).
July 2023:
- Short-term Ecological Outcome Verification by 3LM.
Outcomes
- Grassland restoration will store more carbon by increasing the effectiveness of the carbon cycle (more litter decomposing and feeding the soil biology).
- Development of riparian corridors from grazing management and will reduce the amount of water entering the watercourse, therefore reducing flood risk.
- Holistic Planned Grazing will increase diversity of plants in sward and diversity of microfauna using the habitat, which will be measured using the short-term ecological monitoring.
The aim of the management at Pollardine Farm is to restore landscape function so that the fundamental ecosystem processes are working as nature intended.
It is critical that we protect, restore and enhance these processes to reverse the decline of biodiversity by providing space for wildlife, reduce runoff and mitigate flooding by improving soil health, sequester carbon by planting trees, and provide a healthy environment for grazing animals.
Impact
Increased water retention
Wildlife-rich habitat
Increased resilience
About Pollardine Farm
By Jane and Lizzie
Coming soon!
Want to make this project happen?
Please get in touch. Whether you’d like to offer time, expertise or financial assistance, we’d love to hear from you!