Roskruge Farm is a 44-acre farm on the Lizard Peninsula surrounded by intensive agricultural activities, intoxicating chemicals, and harmful environmental practices.
The farm’s new owners wish for their 40 acres to be different, having spent so many years loving and caring for animals. Their vision extends to being a place for migratory birds to stop amongst new woodlands, hedges, and wildflower meadows. Let’s discover more about Roskruge Farm and its plans to bring so much biodiversity.
Roskruge Farm: Nurturing Nature in the Face of Intensive Agriculture
Project at a glance
Where: South west England
When: January 2024
Number of acres planted: 3.4
What planted: 1,375
How many days to complete planting: 2
tCO2e after 50yrs: 468
Kilometres of hedgerows planted: 0.85
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}Roskruge Farm, spanning 44.47 acres of diverse habitats, including grassland, scrub, hedgerows, woodland, and ponds, has long been a haven for wildlife. But the landowners, with a deep love for nature and a commitment to conservation, sought to enhance its biodiversity further. Partnering with Protect Earth, they embarked on a journey to cultivate more habitat, planting 1400 native broadleaf trees and 850 metres of wildlife-friendly hedgerows.
“By providing that refuge and significantly placed, stop over point for migratory birds, butterflies and other insects we hope to contribute to the conservation of these species and promote biodiversity in the local region.”In January 2024, this ambitious project took root in England’s South West on a farm set on the Lizard Peninsula. Over just two days, 3.4 acres of land were transformed, with 1,400 trees planted, promising to sequester 468 tonnes of carbon after 50 years.
What’s remarkable is that while Protect Earth facilitated this endeavour, none of the acres are under the direct management of the organisation. This highlights the empowerment of landowners like those at Roskruge Farm to take charge of conservation efforts on their own land, which we are happy to support planning, sourcing funding, and planting.
Though new to land ownership, the landowners bring a wealth of outdoor experience and a profound respect for the environment. From working as a riding instructor to tending sheep in the Welsh hills, their journey led them to steward Roskruge Farm for future generations, which is the long-termism equating to vibrant and diverse lands contributing to the local ecology. Viewing themselves as mere caretakers of the land, they recognise the urgency of preserving habitats in the face of widespread ecological decline.
“We believe that we are just the short term caretakers, stewards of the land and are excited by this and embracing this role.”The landowner’s commitment to biodiversity stems from a desire to provide sanctuary amidst all the farms surrounding them that are intensively farmed landscapes. By creating a refuge for migratory birds, butterflies, and insects, they hope to contribute to species conservation and promote biodiversity in their local region.
Beyond the woodlands and meadows, the landowners envision a space teeming with life. Their multi-year plan for a traditional orchard, pond restoration, and the creation of an extensive wildflower meadow reveals their dedication to enhancing biodiversity.
These efforts benefit wildlife and offer joy and fulfilment to those involved, knowing they’re contributing to something greater than themselves.
To sum up
“With Steve’s clear guidance and the right equipment we, to our surprise managed to plant the 1,300 trees with great success. Thankfully, with minimal aches or pains in the aftermath.”Roskruge Farm has been transformed - already an oasis amongst its neighbours using traditional farming methods.
The farm’s owners are so enthusiastic about developing wildlife habitats that they are planning phase two with Protect Earth, which will involve wildflower meadows and doubling their tree count from current levels!
But they are too far away? Buy a tree or hedgerow that we will plant on projects in the UK in 2024/ 25. We’ll notify you where and when your purchase was planted. You could end up contributing to woodlands all over the UK!
Start your UK woodlands pin collection today!