Orchard Farm
Farming, science and the changing countryside
Agriculture is changing rapidly.
Climate resilience, biodiversity, soil health, biotechnology, renewable energy and new approaches to crop protection are becoming increasingly interconnected.
At Orchard Farm, we are interested in how these developments can translate into better farming in practice — combining experience on the land with emerging evidence from biological and agricultural science.
Our particular areas of interest include:
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regenerative and sustainable farming;
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soil and plant health;
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agricultural biotechnology;
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microbial biostimulants and biological crop protection;
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bacteriophages and phage technologies;
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biodiversity and landscape ecology;
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animal health and welfare;
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renewable energy; and
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emerging agricultural technologies.
News & Insights is where we share some of the research, ideas and practical developments that catch our attention — and consider what they might mean for the future of farming.
Building biologically active soils
An exploration of how soil biology, microbial activity and farming practice can work together to create healthier, more resilient soils rather than relying on biological products alone.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
Biological technologies for better crops
A look at emerging biostimulant and bioherbicide technologies and their potential to improve crop performance while reducing dependence on conventional inputs.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
Getting started with rotational grazing
A practical introduction to using rotational grazing with cattle and sheep to improve grass utilisation, soil health and farm resilience.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
Regenerative grazing in practice
A useful case study showing how rotational grazing, longer pasture-rest periods and lower-input livestock management can strengthen soil function and farm resilience. The farm is particularly relevant to Orchard Farm because it runs Romney-cross sheep alongside cattle and a cider orchard.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
Bringing sheep into arable rotations
An examination of how integrating sheep with arable cropping can improve soil health and fertility, reduce inputs, diversify farm enterprises and provide clean grazing for livestock.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
What regenerative farming means for farmland birds
A farmer-led trial using acoustic monitoring provides interesting evidence of how different cultivation practices can influence farmland bird activity, diversity and conservation-priority species.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
Creating better habitats for farmland birds
Practical ideas for supporting farmland birds through thoughtful management of rotations, hedgerows, flower-rich margins, ponds and year-round food sources.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
Hedgerows as natural farm infrastructure
A practical guide to managing healthy hedgerows for wildlife, ecological connectivity and the wider resilience of the farm landscape.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly
Making rooftop solar work on the farm
A practical assessment of the costs, site constraints and long-term considerations involved in using farm buildings to generate renewable electricity.
Read the article – Farmers Weekly