Sustainability at DURNFORD
At our core, we embrace a philosophy of respect for our environment; enjoying the bountiful rewards of our meadows, fields, gardens and animals, whilst leaving minimal impact and facilitating natural cycles wherever we can.
In this journal, we are excited to share with you some of the ways DURNFORD stays sustainable; running in the best way possible for us, and for our environment.
HAY HARVEST
We grow unfertilised hay, with collection delayed until late July to ensure the butterflies and bees have access to an abundance of summer pollen. This carefully timed harvest also allows the clovers to flower and grasses grow naturally, supporting the local ecosystem. As well as our delayed hay harvest across the Estate, July one of the busiest harvest times for our kitchen garden produce. Including varieties of tomatoes destined for our Tomato Chutney, french beans for our Piccalilli, and juicy beetroots for our Pickled Beetroot.
NESTING SITES FOR BIRDS
Our hedgerows are fenced to prevent our sheep from disturbing the nesting grounds for the songbirds, pheasants, and partridges, and left undisturbed until September to allow their chicks to fledge. We also maintain dedicated nesting sites for breeding Barn Owls, Little Owls and Kestrals, with annual ringing that contributes to a national database, aiding in their protection and monitoring breeding success. These hedgerows are home to the array of wild berries we forage from the Estate, paving the way for our Blackberry Jam, and delectable Vanilla Sloe Gin.
NATURAL FERTILISERS
We use recycled horse muck on our game crops, avoiding chemical fertilisers wherever possible, and we produce all our own compost, utilising recycled matter from the house, garden, and horses.
WETLAND HABITATS
Our pristine water meadows remain untouched, serving as vital habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, including four bat species, precious snails, and newts. The presence of these creatures underscores our commitment to conservation and ecological balance. Elderflower blooms just a stones throw away from our water meadows, which we then hand-pick and infuse with locally distilled vodka, creating our Elderflower Vodka.
HONEYBEES
The hives we established, and bees we nurture not only produce our DURNFORD Honey, they play a crucial role in pollinating our kitchen garden and surrounding meadows, further strengthening the intricate web of life on our estate.
This meticulous approach reflects our unwavering dedication to our environment, where natural beauty and ecological integrity flourish.
Head to the Farm Shop at The Great Bustard, Great Durnford to purchase our products.
We look forward to sharing more of our journey with you,
DURNFORD