Environmental policies

“Beautiful landscapes, wildlife, heritage and the provision of access to rural areas all depend on sustainable land management”  - Natural England.

Barclay Farms Estate recognises the responsibility that accompanies their ownership of a substantial area of Oxfordshire countryside. Natural England works on behalf of Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to support and encourage multi-functional land use which joins up the local economy, surrounding communities and environmental concerns via a coherent and sustainable approach. This means managing land in a way that creates benefits for everyone, protects and enhances the environment and ensures people understand how the land is being managed whilst enabling them to experience the benefits for themselves.

The Barclay Farms Estate is proud to participate in the Environmental Stewardship scheme managed by Natural England on behalf of Defra. The aims of the scheme are to

• conserve wildlife (biodiversity)
• maintain and enhance landscape quality and character
• protect the historic environment and natural resources
• promote public access and understanding of the countryside
• protect natural resources.

On the Barclay Farms Estate we are committed to agricultural practices and development strategies that meet these goals. We aim to conserve and enhance our land and the countryside by: looking after wildlife and its varied habitats; ensuring that the land is well managed and retains its traditional character; protecting the historic features of the Estate and its natural resources; ensuring traditional livestock and crops are conserved; and providing opportunities for people to visit and learn about the countryside.
For example, hedgerows are not just a quintessential feature of the English rural landscape; they also provide a rich and vital habitat for animals, birds and butterflies. Through the Environmental Stewardship scheme we are able to support the restoration, re-planting and on-going management of these essential habitats. To find out more about the aims and policies of the Environmental Stewardship scheme, visit www.naturalengland.org.uk

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