Key facts 

  • 35.9km of 6m grass and pollen margins
  • 58ha of flower-rich pollen and nectar mix
  • 4.3ha of woodland
  • 6.5ha wild bird seed cover
  • Owl boxes, Sparrow apartments and Bee & Bug pods
  • Up to 70 bee hives brought in to help pollination 

The company have good environmental credentials, being LEAF Marque, & satisfying requirements of Tesco’s Nurture, Field to Fork & Assured Produce.

Water, carbon and land management

The Environment

The Hoyles family have proudly owned the main land blocks for five generations. The environment holds a special place in our hearts, and we deeply cherish our connection to this land. With the Fens limited natural environmental features the family has invested in projects and areas for environmental gain; including woodland planting, set-aside areas, and joining the Entry Level Scheme (ELS) in 2005, and subsequent programmes.  Most recently the family have committed to another 5 years of the Mid Tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme (Jan 2021 to Dec 2025), further developing grass & flower margins, areas of wild bird feed, and pollen & nectar areas.

We have established 58 hectares of flower-rich pollen and nectar mix areas, 4.3 hectares of woodland, and 6.5 hectares of wild bird seed cover. In total, this extensive habitat spans an area equivalent to 96 Premier League football pitches. 

“Sustainability is not just about conserving the earth’s resources; it’s about preserving the very essence of life on this planet.” – David Suzuki

Water, carbon and land management

Water Management

 

Water management is now a crucial aspect of our business due to recent weather extremes. As farmers and landowners, we invest to mitigate risks. Our commitment is evident in maintaining 12 kilometers of private ditches, and we ensure the effectiveness of our under-field land drains through drain jetting. This proactive approach helps sustain a balance for optimal growth and productivity.

 

On our farms, three reservoirs have been constructed, primarily filled through two methods. We use energy-efficient electric pumps to abstract surplus winter ditch water, and we also collect rainwater from rooftops, redirecting it into our reservoirs. This dual approach enables us to store 180,000 cubic meters of water, equivalent to 72 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The irrigation system is extensive, featuring 8 kilometers of underground mains with hydrants every 72m. Additionally, we use newtron soil moisture probes and boom irrigators to guarantee precise and efficient irrigation practices.

 

Dykes, drains and watercourses are very important non-farmed linear habitats, and provide a home to many plant and wildlife species. Most of these water channels are privately owned and managed, but with some larger ones under Internal Drainage Board control (South Holland IDB & North Level IDB).  Good farm policy aims to develop a drainage channel system that is managed and protected to enhance its environmental value. We have grass & flower buffer strips next to every wet water course, and crop inputs are highly targeted using precision farming techniques.

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