Farm Wildlife Walk – Scottish Borders

Join us at Inchkeith near Oxton to see how the Wilkinson family are managing their farm for wildlife whilst still maintaining profitability. The business has recently transitioned into Organic status and has started to market their own organic produce locally. The cattle herd is on the process of being certified for ‘Pasture-for-Life’ status and are also just starting out on another 5 year agri-environment scheme. The Wilkinsons are working closely with the Butterfly Conservation charity who will be in attendance to tell you what simple, practical steps you can take to help butterflies on your own land. One of the big changes they have made is the adoption of no-fence cattle collars – technology which has the potential to transform the way you graze your land and manage your herd.

Why attend:

See how changes in management practices, new technology and diversification are helping to maintain a profitable farming business as well as promoting farm wildlife.

• Grazing management to improve wildlife habitats using cattle collars.
• The transition into organic status and reduced input costs
• Native breeds in a profitable organic system
• Making AECS work for your farm business
• Habitat improvement for wading birds
• Habitat management for butterflies
• ‘Butterfly-Friendly Beef’ Marketing and diversification

What you will learn:

Easy wins that support both farm profitability and wildlife habitats.

• How cattle collars can improve grazing management
• See the collars in operation and hear from the manufacturers about the technology
• How agri-environment schemes can integrate into the farm business
• How to create the ideal wader scrape
• How to create and enhance species rich grasslands
• Appropriate Land management for butterflies and wildlife
• How the ‘Inchkeith Organics’ brand has developed, selling produce locally and attaining ‘Butterfly-Friendly’ status.

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