Lockerley Estate, twinned with Preston Farms, is a 2000 hectare estate near Broughton in Hampshire. Their mission is to be a progressive, regenerative and successful farming business where biodiversity, the soil and the well being of its community and future generations is at the heart of what they do. We will spend the morning discovering what regenerative farming and wilding involves as we walk round the fields. The estate is home to many farm birds including the barn owl and also some very special species. Careful woodland management is ensuring a positive future for the rare barbastelle bats. Annual plants once common on farms can be seen including the tiny dwarf spurge and stinking mayweed. These have been supplemented with mixes of seed bearing and pollen and nectar producing plants in former arable areas. On our walk we will see some of the huge amount of work being carried out to ensure wildlife both above and below ground is thriving on the estate and how food production is in harmony with the environment.
No dogs permitted.
Please wear stout footwear as we will be walking on uneven ground. Dress approriately for the weather conditions on the day as it is an exposed site.
Bring water and binoculars will be useful.
Parking available in the farm yard at Queenwood Farm.
