An update from the field: Winter Planting, Greener Future
By Dawn Wilson, 2nd Generation & Director at Burrough Court
As spring begins to peek through the clouds, I wanted to share a seasonal update from the farm here at Burrough Court. It’s been all systems go over the winter months as we’ve been busy enhancing the landscape and ecosystem with a range of important projects—all rooted in our long-term vision for sustainability, biodiversity, and a thriving countryside.
Hedgerows: Wildlife Highways and Climate Helpers
Over the winter, we’ve planted extensive new hedgerows and hedgerow trees across the estate. These are not just beautiful additions to the landscape they’re vital ecological connectors. By linking existing woodlands, these green corridors enable birds and small mammals to move more freely between habitats, increasing biodiversity across the farm. You can read another blog by Dawn on the importance of hedgerows here.
Hedges also play a significant role in tackling climate change. Unlike trees, they grow more rapidly and therefore begin sequestering carbon much sooner, helping to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. Additionally, in areas of the farm prone to water runoff and flooding, these new hedgerows are already improving drainage and water management.
In tandem with the hedgerows, we’ve planted a mixture of native trees including Oak, Field Maple, and Beech—each selected for their environmental value and contribution to a richer, more diverse ecosystem.
Back to Our Roots: Grasslands, Sheep & Soil Health
We’ve also been working in partnership with environmental farming schemes to re-establish areas of pasture. Some fields are now part of the Countryside Stewardship rotational grass-legume option, while others are being sown with herbal grass leys under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
This marks a return to the land’s natural heritage, many of these fields were once pastureland before converting to arable production over the past 50 years. Reintroducing grazing sheep has brought not only a sense of nostalgia but also a powerful visual shift to the landscape. The farm is beginning to take on a more traditional parkland feel again, which adds to the pleasure of walking through it—especially for anyone taking a break from their desk in our business park.
But it’s not just about appearances. The return of livestock plays a vital role in boosting soil organic matter. Through natural grazing and manure, we’re enriching the soil, giving it a rest from intensive crop production and helping to lock more carbon underground—our small, but meaningful step in the battle against climate change.
A Balancing Act with Pickwell
Meanwhile, over at our farm in Pickwell, things are staying more traditional with an arable rotation. That farm continues to produce essential crops, wheat, barley, oilseed rape, and beans to contribute to national food security. For us, Farming today is about balance: between producing food, enhancing nature, and reducing our carbon footprint. Across our farms, we’re doing our best to play an active and thoughtful role in that evolving story.
There’s plenty more to come as we look ahead over the coming months. But for now, we’re proud of the work done through the winter, and excited to see how these new habitats and greener systems take root.
If you’re walking the public footpaths around the Burrough farm, keep an eye out for our new hedgerows and the sheep, they’re the newest (and fluffiest) team members working hard for the future of our land!
