High nutrient levels from run-off upstream of our farm are harming our native wildlife, and whilst the streams and ponds onsite are doing well, we want to do more. Our river-friendly farming approach will inspire others and make it crystal clear that everyone can help tackle the national concern of our inland waterways. We are already working on managing our livestock around waterways, now we want to restore 'Castle Hill Pond' by letting the light back in & deepening it. As the light comes back in, plants will re-establish, and the depth will allow it to hold more water and reduce flooding. We'll also expand the pond dipping platform to allow space for a whole class to pond dip and investigate the water life. We will install a bird hide (see pics), designed and built by our youth project, so visitors can appreciate the wonderful birdlife on our pond. We'll plant trees to encourage water into our soil and reduce run-off into rivers. Projects that our whole community can enjoy.

What we'll deliver:

• Plant apple trees along our water courses: to attract the native water vole and soak water into the ground.
• Restore our oldest farm pond: ‘Castle Hill Pond’, which will be deepened so it holds more water for longer.
• Extend our pond dipping platform to allow space for a whole class to enjoy the water
• Plant 1000 trees along the Tern Valley: reducing run-off, creating wildlife corridors and holding carbon
• Construct a bird hide with our youth project: a space where visitors can sit and enjoy our wetland birds

Why it's a great idea:

We are all acutely aware of the poor state of our rivers. Pollution from industry, from farming and our homes is harming everything that relies on clean water, including humans. Our river-friendly approach will build connections and a love for clean water by creating new places to experience nature. Our bird hide will be constructed by our youth project. These vulnerable young people will be able to access certificates for their work, develop their practical skills and tool use, all whilst learning the importance of habitat management. They want this to be a project they can be proud of, and so do we. Ultimately, this project will benefit the thousands of families who visit our free farm trails each year. But, we need your help. Not just in funds, but in time too. We will be looking to expand our volunteer base alongside this appeal. We invite individuals & companies alike to get involved! We will need lots of hands, so please do get in touch if you have time to spare.

Steps to get it done:

• Deepening Castle Hill Pond to allow it to store more water
• Use reclaimed car tyres and gravel to form bird hide foundations (no concrete here)
• Add final design elements to bird hide through discussions with local young people
• Begin construction of the bird hide, led by young people
• Begin construction of pond dipping platform with volunteers
• Translocate marsh plants to Castle Hill Pond and plant trees along River Tern
• Build a dead hedge around Castle Hill pond using branches from pollarded Alders
• Install a fence around Castle Hill pond and our tree planting space to keep livestock out
• Open our bird hide and pond dipping platform to the public

We want this project to be driven by our community. We are passionate about empowering everyone we work with, whilst choosing techniques which limit our impact on the planet. This project will create opportunities not only for our volunteers (new and existing), but also for the vulnerable young people who attend our youth project, many of whom often find themselves on the periphery of society. We want their voice to drive design. We hope this project, which is in addition to other river-friendly work we are planning onsite, will store more water in the Tern Valley, reduce flooding downstream, create new wildlife habitats, store carbon, and create welcoming spaces that can nourish the wellbeing of our community for many years to come. All together demonstrating that when farm, nature and community work together, everyone wins!