Arable Farming & Sustainable Conservation

The arable land at Friars Court is contract-farmed, growing wheat, barley, and oilseed rape. Alongside its agricultural activities, Friars Court is deeply committed to conservation, with initiatives that support local biodiversity:

• 40 acres of water meadows rich in wildlife.
• 25 acres of restored wetland meadows, carefully managed to encourage lapwing and curlew breeding. In 2023, curlews successfully nested and raised chicks on the farm for the first time.
• An 11-acre wildflower meadow brimming with native plants.
• 6-meter grass headlands around arable fields, forming natural wildlife corridors. 

Wildlife Habitats & Renewable Energy

A 5-acre wetland habitat, complete with a small lake, is home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and nesting swans. The area has also been frequented by otters, showcasing the farm’s role in supporting wildlife.

In addition to these conservation efforts, Friars Court generates nearly 45 kW of electricity from solar panels. Two ground-mounted arrays near the Moat Ponds, along with a large rooftop array on the cowshed, provide energy for the farm. Since 2023, battery storage has enabled the farm to remain largely off-grid during the night, complementing its daytime energy self-sufficiency. Surplus power is sold to the national grid.