Our UST 3 Success Stories so Far
Herbal Ley Trial in Cornwall
At Gunnacott Farm, a 110ha all grassland farm in Tetcott, Cornwall, we wanted to determine whether a multi-species sward could be established using a low impact, low disturbance cross drill, and if the species mix affects establishment under these planting techniques.
This technique has the potential to improve water and air quality through reduced fertiliser usage and improve soil quality due to the deep rooting nature of some of the species within the herbal leys.
Dairy Farm Improvements
We were contacted in early 2021 by a dairy farmer, near Launceston in the River Tamar catchment, who was looking for assistance with their slurry storage. The farm was near the River Carey, which is currently classified as having poor ecological status for water quality due to poor farm infrastructure and livestock management.
Nature Based Solutions in the Exe Catchment
A farm under new ownership located in the Exe catchment became engaged with Upstream Thinking 3 in 2020.
The new owners wanted to implement environmental improvements across their farm, including the slowing and storage of water generated by heavy soils at the highest point of the farm; the beneficial management of soil to improve water percolation and reduce surface runoff; and improved grazing management (most likely with cattle or ponies) to increase biodiversity.
Soil Carbon Trail – Lower Otter
During the first year of UST 3 we have purchased a Simba Freeflow drill for use on a soil carbon trial by a farmer on the lower Otter. The farmer has been using the drill for conservation tillage, that also works with catch crops, to improve nutrient retention and improve soil organic matter (SOM).
This will limit soil disturbance, maintain soil moisture, reduce carbon losses, and retain nutrients. Regular monitoring is being carried out by us to assess progress, with additional monitoring as part of an academic study. Feedback has been very positive so far:
“The Freeflow drill – I love it, it’s great,”
“Everything in at the right depth, into moisture and well covered.” Farmer on the Otter.