We’ve let all our hedges grow tall, allowing the oaks, blackthorn and hawthorn to regenerate through self-seeding. On 60 acres we’ve over-sown patches of wildflowers using both seed and green hay. Throughout this area we tall-grass-graze a herd of 4 horses (out 24/7 throughout the year), moving them regularly to help establish diverse sward heights and encourage wildflower establishment.  Grazed extensively in such a manner, the horses create a beautiful habitat, and the meadows are full of pollinators and wildlife.  The tall grasses make the clay ground more robust in winter and less hay is fed. Dung is left for the dung beetles (we used to collect it), we hand-fork ragwort, docks and thistles before they seed – a strangely enjoyable task with the right tools and in the right conditions, immersed in the throng of the meadow.  Wormers, the vet and hard feed are no longer needed. The horses, relaxed and contented, form their own friendship groups and regulate their intake of natural grasses and medicinal herbs.

We’ve created small ponds, some seasonal and some more permanent, to attract newts and dragonflies, toads and frogs. Hedgerows with 20 species, and over 500 trees – fruit, nut, broadleaf and conifer – have been planted to create wood pasture, providing future shelter and shade for livestock. Living fence posts of crack and goat willow (pollarded) have been trialled with great success giving the bees that early source of nectar while beautifully serving a practical purpose.

Since this change of management with a focus on creating pollinator habitat and using the animals to conservation graze, we have observed a huge increase in wildlife, particularly hares, owls (tawny, barn and little owls), goldfinch, kingfishers, butterflies and dragonflies to mention just a few.  

“We look forward to working with the Evenlode Catchment Partnership and Wild Oxfordshire, sharing ideas and learning.”

Sam Sanberg, Lyneham Heath Equestrian – www.lynheamheathequestrian.co.uk

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