Leading organic producer joins in FWAG's 40th anniversary campaign

One of the UK's largest organic producers of milk has joined the "Do one thing for wildlife!" 40^th anniversary campaign of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) by marking the year with a special new conservation project which involved the planting of 250 native trees to extend an ancient mixed coppice woodland.   This project is in addition to their daily efforts to protect and promote wildlife on their farms.

Coombe Farm, based in Somerset, has had a progressive planting and regeneration programme operating since late 2003 using a broad range of native woodland species that are indigenous to the local area such as sorbus, hawthorn and cherry families. 

The plantings made to celebrate FWAG's 40^th anniversary have extended a woodland that had been left untouched for a number of years. The area will now be regenerated and staff are planning to learn traditional woodland management disciplines that will ultimately provide the estate with a supply of coppice products. This practice will also allow more natural light on to the woodland floor that will, in turn, create a secure habitat for smaller animals like dormice as well as a myriad of birds that flourish in this environment.

The predominance of new planting in the area has been mainly oak and ash to match the older woodland. However, a range of quicker growing trees such as birch and alder have also been added to act as nurse trees to ensure straight growth.  These trees will ultimately be culled to allow native undergrowth to be added to the scheme.

Coombe Farm has long been a supporter of FWAG and has worked with the Somerset Farm Conservation Advisers to develop a management plan that provides sustainable use of land and food systems, primarily within local economies and built on organic principles, to ensure the health and well-being of the environment.

Philip Cook, Managing Director of Coombe Farm said "We work with a lot of farmers that put in a tremendous effort to protect and develop the wildlife habitats on their farms through diligent and responsible environment management.  We hope that our additional project to coincide with FWAG's 40^th anniversary campaign will encourage other farmers to consider putting together a special project of their own to add to the valuable work they already undertake".

Andy Ormiston, FWAG's Managing Director, thanked Coombe Farm for supporting the charity's 40^th anniversary campaign and said "Coombe Farm is a shining example of how sensitive environmental management is an important part of any farm business and adds credible value to the viability of the commercial enterprise".