At Greatworth Hall we, like many others are aware of the growing importance of tackling climate change. We take our carbon footprint seriously and look for ways, wherever possible that we can reduce the impact we make on the environment.

Some of the things we are already doing are as follows:

·        We have solar panels on the roof of one of our largest farm buildings.

·        All the offices, workshops and houses are run on renewable electricity.

·        For the past 10-15 years the farm has embraced minimum tillage and no tillage practices when growing crops reducing the release of carbon into the environment also reducing the number of times tractors are used in each field.

·        We promote local food production to reduce food miles, seasonally selling home produced lamb, pork and eggs.

·        We educate children about food miles and making their own food, using local and seasonal products on the farm education days also on Open Days.

·        We recycle disused objects where possible, for example using old baths and sinks to grow vegetables and herbs in.  Also using old farm items as plant containers.

·        We using farm manure to reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers.

·        The sheep are used in a rotation with the arable crops to fertilise the soil and reduce artificial fertiliser requirements.

·        Our arable fields have wild life margins around them and others are planted as wild flower meadows as part of a farming environmental scheme.

·       Our agronomist works closely with us to use the least amount of pesticides and sprays needed to grow the crops. Also, she gives advice from on other Defra-led environmental schemes to decrease our carbon foot print.

·         We have grown hybrid rye and maize as part of our crop rotation for the anaerobic digester that is only a mile away and produces gas for our local town, Brackley.

·        We dispose of our office and workshop waste using a local recycling business that sort the rubbish to reduce any landfill waste.

·        Recently, we have installed a new sewage system on site to ensure that the water run-off is clear and suitable for easy drainage.

·        The cafe on site, Hole in the Hedge, offers a local service for people to eat at and uses environmentally friendly products and local food where possible.

·        We take our lambs to the nearest abattoir to reduce miles in haulage.