Regenerative projects undertaken so far:

Woodland and Wildflower meadow
Our first new woodland and wildflower meadow was planted early 2011. We planted 5,400 mixed deciduous native trees and shrubs which were undersown with a mix of annual and perennial wildflowers. To learn more about this project please visit our woodland page.
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Last tree planted in the new woodland, March 2011

Orchard
In 2013 we planted 100 fruit trees, including apples, pears and plums, all of which were heritage varieties, and all of which were different. The site chosen was an exposed south east facing slope so it was important that many varieties were trialed in order to better assess which varieties perform well in this location. Those found to produce well and to be happy growing in their current location will be planted out in other areas of the farm over the coming years.
It takes at least 5 years for fruit trees to produce a viable crop when grown on tall growing root stocks, last year, 2017, gave us our first small crop, with some trees producing really well. We look forward to seeing what 2018 brings. ​

looking up at the orchard early 2017

Current Regenerative projects

This year we have taken another field back into our management. This field will be a mix of experimental crops, foraging areas, camping spaces, willow, habitat areas and a community space available for public use. The field margins have been bought in leaving a large area at the top and bottom of the field that is being planted up with trees and shrubs. The bottom edge of the field is being planted up with native trees, this area will be left to wildlife, with management being limited to helping establishment of trees whilst young and coppicing of some when older. This area will not be part of a public access area ensuring that there is always some 'wild' in every field. In addition to this wildlife area we have been adding new trees to all the edges of the field, in essence bringing out the hedgerows into a larger area, all new trees planted in hedges are trees with foragable crops, for example sloes and elderberries. These foraging areas will be open to the public and will eventually lead around the whole farm. No cost will be charged for foraging. The purchasing of foraging trees for planting is at present paid for by farm on the hill but it our hope to raise money to help with this project.

Future regeneration projects

All of Manor House Farm will come under the management of Farm on the Hill at the end of 2019. At this time many of our future projects will begin. At this stage there are no definite projects but ideas include the continuation of foraging area plantings, further habitat creation,  a large pond and wetland making on the lowest field, (the water from which is currently drained away under a road), as well as further woodland planting.
​If you would like to get involved or volunteer with any future projects please get in touch.