Farm walk: members’ event June 2025

At the end of June, members and supporters of CPRE Bedfordshire enjoyed a beautiful and engaging walk at Barton Hill Farm, near Barton-le-Clay.

We were not only informed about some of the mechanics of the farm, such as the huge combine harvester (with computer connectivity that provide specific feedback on progress and yields), and the crops grown but also given a great insight into the sustainability and wildlife enhancing practices on the farm. We saw this as we walked across some the land in production including fallow field margins which create wildlife corridors and support insects that enhance the biodiversity and pollinate the crops or are pest predators. In one of these areas dark mullein has regrown which supports the rare Striped Lychnis moth. Consequently, some areas are being managed specifically for these species. Similarly, there is a whole area left to form a rough meadow on the top of one of the local hills for nesting lapwings, and for Skylarks, several large rectangles are cut to give dry, plant free landing and foraging areas throughout the different fields across the farmland.

The farm has extensive dense hedgerows that are cut only every other year to support birds and other animals, and an old area of woodland is stuffed with bird boxes. The views across the countryside on the chalk hills of the Chilterns were stunning; sweeping fields of peas and wheat, patchworked with woodland and hedges.

Our thanks to Whizz and Brian for their hospitality and giving up their time to show us around and giving us a taste of some of the wonderful farming practices in the Bedfordshire countryside.

Join us on future events – membership starts at just £5 per month.