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CPRE Sussex Visit to Knepp Castle Estate

Monday, 10 September 2012 15:23

Knepp Castle Estate Knepp Castle Estate

July 2012

A tractor-trailer ride through Sir Charles Burrell’s estate near Horsham gave our group a fascinating insight into how landowners in England are adapting their farming practices to meet sustainable environmental objectives.

Evidence of sustainable initiatives established with help from the government’s stewardship scheme were in abundance whichever way the tractor took you! Delightful Tamworth piglets grazing in the woods, imposing grass- fed Old English Longhorn cattle, two herds of fallow deer, restored marshes and water meadows, wild flower areas, bee hives and sensitively restored Sussex barns. Diversification has been the key to Knepp’s development in recent years and increased bio-diversity has led to an exciting number of nightingales nesting on the estate. Additional sources of income have come from hosting wedding events, developing craft/business units from redundant farm buildings and providing horses and land for polo events. Hosting Educational Tours, such as the one given to us, is an excellent way of providing the general public with a snapshot of the very valuable conservation schemes quietly taking place on our green and pleasant land.

 

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