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Curiosity Day Liz Hargreaves -
Lambhill Farm, Slaidburn, Lancs
Thursday 9th July
The event brought together the practical insights gathered so far during the Be The Change project, expert guidance and on-the-ground learning.
So far with Liz and Rob we’ve been focusing on healthy soils and tackling the challenge of ticks. We explored what the future holds for this upland farm.
WRAP UP
We were warmly welcomed to Lancashire by Liz & Rob and the sun was shining. The day opened at Slaidburn Village Hall, (not your average village hall we might add!) with tea & coffee and an intro to Liz's farm.
The morning session, led by Henry Russell, looked at the Maximum Sustainable Output findings for Lambhill. The group input on the pros and potential cons of the MSO system, such as taking into account landlords restrictions - in this case United Utilities stipulations, and the nature of the land - in this case rushy pastures, wet moorland, heavy bracken, steep valleys.
Local vet Karen Swindlehurst talked through the challenge ticks present to upland sheep flocks. Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasing due to a number of factors such a milder winters and warmer summers, increased bracken growth and rising number of deer. There isn't currently a vaccine available in the UK for tick-borne diseases and Liz & Rob and many other attendees, are really feeling the impact this is having on their flocks.
The afternoon moved outdoors for a farm walk to look at soil health with James Bretherton. Sitting above Stocks Reservoir, in James' 'outdoor classroom', complete with flipchart and surrounded by the call of the curlew was the highlight of the day. The team from CSX raised some really interesting discussion points on habitat mapping of the farm, bringing in peat measurement, acoustic monitoring and carbon in trees.
This was a valuable opportunity to connect strategy with practice, exchange ideas, and build confidence in planning for the future of Liz and Rob's land and enterprise.