High Meadow Farm

Farmer: Nick Tilt

Address: High Meadow Farm, Ashford Carbonel, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4BS

Member since 2001 and LEAF Demonstration Farm since 2002

The Farm

High Meadow Farm is 319 acre predominantly arable farm with a small number of livestock, lying just south of Ludlow in the heart of the Shropshire countryside. A traditional mixed rotation of winter wheat, oil seed rape, potatoes and beans is followed, all grown on contract with specific end market use, such as Bread making wheat for Warburton’s. Every effort is made to reduce the need for crop sprays by following good husbandry practices including careful crop rotations and using appropriate seed varieties. All land is under min-till or direct drilled.

The farm is also home to a small herd of Herefordshire cattle which produce quality meat sold locally. Animal welfare is top priority and the cattle are kept with their best welfare interests at heart. They graze the herb-rich pastures and are slaughtered locally to minimise stress. Every effort is made ensure that grass management is as natural as possible. Manure is regularly applied and land is tested for nutrient deficiency.

Activities

Minimising the impacts of traffic is very important at High Meadow Farm and the impacts of tyres on tramlines is measured regularly using a penetrometer.

Woodland coppicing, tree planting, water management and soil conditioning form the backbone of environmental management. A number of grass and wildlife margins around the farm are also being established. Hedges are laid on a regular basis which provide food and cover for birds and insects as well as creating a valuable wildlife corridor through the farm. Woodpeckers, kingfishers, buzzards and woodcocks are all regular visitors to the farm and their habitats are managed sensitively to ensure their continued survival.

Visitors can explore the footpaths, discover new areas of woodland, see the hedges being restored and look out for woodpeckers, kingfishers, buzzards and woodcocks which are regular visitors to the farm.

Members only resources

Sustainable Soil Management at High Meadow Farm.

Visit this farm

Click here to arrange a visit to this LEAF Demonstration Farm.