Farm overview
Rosie Davis is the land Agent at Courteenhall. 730ha of the estate is used to grow combinable crops – predominantly cereals, oilseeds and pulses. The estate has reintroduced hardy native breeds, such as Traditional Hereford Cattle, to the parkland and other grazing areas with the aim to boost biodiversity, support the soil and positively impact animal health and welfare. Courteenhall is a progressive farm and are committed to farming as sustainably as possible, practicing methods such as minimum tillage, use of cover crops and reduced use of plant protection products. The estate is in a Countryside Stewardship Scheme, with 15% of the farm growing wild bird seed and pollen mixes. By being part of the Tove Valley Farm Cluster, the estate plays an active role in conserving farmland birds, wild pollinators and improving water quality in their area. Courteenhall are trialling a number of different climate neutral principles including reducing cultivations, intercropping with clover and using lower impact fertilisers.
Project activities
- Creative Arena – an interactive event to discuss and evaluate climate friendly principles which can be adopted on farm (May 2023).
- Demonstration event – Soil health and farm tour (May 2023).
- Training – BASIS Certificate in Sustainable Land Management course at The Allerton Project (April 2023).
- Lead Commercial Farm visits – Boughton Estate, Brixworth Farming, G.D. Jewers & Son, Rookery Farm, Winwick Manor Farm.
