Sunset over countryside fields with wildflowers and a winding path at Tapnell Farm

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Conservation on The Farm

The golden rule for us is to pass on our farm in better environmental and productive health than it was at the beginning of our life’s tenure.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, whether taking water from our bore hole to supply the farm, using the sun to make electricity for hundreds of homes, powering our heating systems with our biomass boiler or growing over 30 acres of new woodland and hedgerows. It’s ingrained in everything we do.

Wildflowers in a grassy field with Tapnell Farm glamping domes in the background at sunset

Our Vision

To create balance and exist in harmony with our environment.

Tall grasses in a field with rolling hills under a blue sky

Our Mission

To pass on our farm in better environmental and productive health than it was at the beginning of our life’s tenure.

Tom's Eco Lodge - Tapnell Farm - exploring the tapnell trail

Our Aims

We endeavour to be actively involved in the conservation of our native flora and fauna as well as that outside of the United Kingdom.

We aim to promote and support local charities and organisations who are already involved in local conservation projects.

We aim to educate visitors about the importance of supporting local and overseas conservation projects as well as living a greener life.

Wooden bug hotel with a raised planter of red and white flowers on top

Bumblebee feeding from pale pink aquilegia flowers in warm evening sunlight

Educating visitors

We want to educate our visitors about conservation projects and living a greener life.

We can do this by:

Conservation of local flora and fauna
Encouraging visitors to engage
Promote and support local charities/organisations

Our plans

Conservation of local flora and fauna

Further tree and shrub establishment in the farm park, including signage for species established and wildlife benefit, and a peaceful Conservation Garden

Swallow surveys and potential further artificial nest relocation if required

Sparrow Street and Sparrow surveys to give the sparrows somewhere to nest and roost and then for us to be able to monitor their activity on the farm and send data to the British Trust for Ornithology

Active beehive establishment to further help support the declining bee population

Encouraging visitors to engage

Carry out seasonal wildlife surveys and identify target species for surveying and protection where possible. Incorporate these species into an interactive Conservation Wall located in the Animal Barn opposite the park map

Birdwatching/Wellness breaks to further help promote the local environment during all seasons on a seasonal tourist Island

The provision of a children’s Farm Wildlife Trail and the encouragement of visitors to record and monitor local wildlife species at home

Signage to educate about our unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Status and what this means.

Repurposing spaces on the farm

Continued repurposing of spaces on the farm to further promote natural human powered fun.

Update of existing conservation strategies by construction of Conservation Wall.

Proactively engaging the public on the importance of INNS (Invasive Non-Native Species) and as to why we should not be illegally promoting the selling or release of these species into areas that they do not inhabit; plus the effect this can have on ecosystems and well as the welfare on animals.

Website updates on each resident animal species, their red list status, and facts.

Strategies and signage for the Coffee House such as coffee ground repurposing and a can crusher.

Close-up of a bug hotel made from wooden pallets filled with pine cones, sticks and a concrete block

Speckled eggs in a barn swallow nest lined with soft feathers and dry grass

Weathered red arched animal shelter with open door on a grassy field under a blue sky

Conservation efforts

As part of our conservation efforts visitors and our keepers have built a living roof Bug Hotel to attract mini beasts.

Bug Hotels are important for biodiversity as they help provide a safe place for mini beasts like ladybirds, woodlice, solitary bees, spiders and more! In turn, these mini beasts help pollinate plants and prey on pests.

Swallow & Sparrow Surveys

2023 saw the installation of our new conservation signage in the Farm Park, 'Sparrow and Swallow Street', designed to engage with visitors and increase awareness of our conservation strategy. Infographics and boards, updated regularly, detail wildlife spotted at The Farm.

Keeper Jack has been taking surveys and seen the arrival of new Swallows. He has observed nests, so far outside in the paddocks in our sheds! One has 5 eggs inside and the other 2 eggs.

Find out more and read our current Conservation Strategy

Read Here