RAIN failed to dampen the spirits of many farming enthusiasts who braved the weather to celebrate the Allerton Project’s 25th anniversary.
The successful demonstration farm marked the open day on Wednesday, June 28 with a series of farm walks and talks.
It provided guests, including Sir James Paice, the opportunity to see the environmental integration at Loddington through talks on pesticide handling, agroforestry, water friendly farming, farming and wildlife, farmland birds and soil and water.
Mike Green, environmental stewardship manager at BASF Crop Protection, as speaker for the day and is pictured above, described the event as a great success.
“BASF was proud to support the Allerton Project at its 25th Anniversary event in June.
“The staff involved and the science described on the day showed very clearly why the Allerton Project has been at the forefront of agricultural and environmental research for over two decades and continues to lead the way.
“Here’s to the next 25 years of pioneering work on soil management and enhancing farmland biodiversity.”
Head of the Allerton Project, Alastair Leake, right with Sir James Paice, says he’s “immensely proud” of their work.
“The timed walks gave everyone a chance to learn about the variety of work we carry out, from explaining the science behind beetle banks to the zero-till soil management on soil biology, structure and infiltration to the construction of wetlands.”
“A big thank you to everyone who braved the wet conditions and turned out, we loved having you and hope to see you all again soon.”
Research at Allerton incorporates zero-till, soil improvement, the effect of predation on farmland birds, pollinators, water quality, cover & catch crops, agroforestry, which all contributes significantly to environmental and agricultural policy.
The education programme includes the BASIS-accredited Certificate in Conservation Management and the Big Farmland Bird Count.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk