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Broxfield Farm.FARM PROFILELocationBroxfield Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3RQGrid Ref: NU2016 1969 Physical profileBroxfield Farm is located approximately 3 miles from the coastline just North of Alnwick. The farm has all the characteristics of the locality, with rolling countryside, areas of mature woodland and flourishing wildlife.Geology and rainfallBroxfield lies between 70-100 meters above sea level. The soil type is a medium clay loam that is rich in nutrients, and retains moisture well in a dry year. This allows for intensive arable cropping and good grass growth. Traditionally the area has average size fields with healthy blossoming hedgerows and old trees providing shelter, the landscape being dotted with blocks of conifer plantation. These were planted for the requirements of shoot and hunt management to give what is known as a ‘gentrified landscape.’ The Denwick Burn has its source and runs through Broxfield, creating a natural wildlife corridor through the farm.Annual rainfall is closely related to both altitude and prevailing wind direction. In the UK the prevailing wind is from the west, hence the eastern half of the country lies in the rain shadow of the central uplands and is traditionally drier than in the west. The rainfall at Broxfield can average as low as 500mm/year (and as high as 1050mm/year), often as a result of north easterly airstreams from the north sea. LAND USEArableBroxfield is currently in conversion to organic status. It will take two years before the farm is fully organic. The aim is to produce wheat, beans (for animal feed), barley and oats. Fertility will be built up by growing clover rich grass swards for 2-3 years. Crops are grown in rotation to reduce problems of disease. All crops are dried on the farm and can be stored for a short period before being transported direct to the end user. The farm is a member of ‘Scottish Quality Cereals’ offering full ‘traceability’. Organic conversion of the farm is monitored by ‘Organic Farmers & Growers’.LivestockAt Broxfield there is approximately 24ha of permanent ridge and furrow pasture besides approximately 110 Ha’s grass/clover ley. This carries a suckler cow enterprise of about 100 mainly Aberdeen Angus cows crossed with Aberdeen Angus bulls. Two horses are also kept on the farm. Sheep graze the grassland from November-April.LabourThere is no permanent labour employed at Broxfield. Contractors are used for some field operations, especially at harvest time when there is a very heavy workload.Buildings & machineryBroxfield has a range of both traditional and modern farm buildings. The original steading, some of which is still used, was built in the 1860’s.Please note that all buildings where access is prohibited (grain drier, chemical and tool stores, etc) will be securely locked. There is a range of modern farm machinery that includes three tractors, a digger, combine harvester, grain drier, crop sprayer, grain trailers, fertiliser spreader and a combination cultivator/seed drill. SubsidiesThe main subsidy received from the Rural Payments Agency is the arable area aid for cereal crops, set-aside, oilseeds and legumes. Further payments are received under the suckler cow premium scheme and the beef special premium scheme. In 2001 Broxfield Farm entered into a 10 year Country Stewardship Scheme. Under this scheme annual and capital payments will be offered. The scheme is administered by DEFRA and provides farmers and landowners with the opportunity to create and manage habitat for wildlife, maintain and enhance landscapes and provide educational access.Countryside StewardshipThere are two stewardship schemes running at Broxfield. Many hedges have been planted under the scheme, and a pond has been created. Following the creation of grass margins around the arable fields there has been an increase in numbers of birds and small animals. Winter ploughing is delayed to provide over-wintering stubbles and breeding areas for farmland birds and other species such as brown hares.HISTORYThe Thompson family have been tenants of the Duke of Northumberland at Broxfield Farm since 1820. During this time there have been many changes, not least a drastic reduction in staff numbers. When the farm was worked with horses there would be at least eight full time men, with casual help at busy times. The farm work horses were a profitable enterprise in themselves. Young horses would be ‘broken in’ to the harness and work in the fields until they were seven years old, and would then be sold to pull trams in Newcastle and Glasgow, where steadiness was essential. FLORA AND FAUNAOne of the most interesting features at Broxfield is the range of wildlife that can be found on the farm. Habitat Associated wildlife Winter-drilled crops Brown hare, pheasant, golden plover(in winter). Spring-drilled crops Lapwing, skylark, grey partridge, oyster catcher, Hedgerows Yellowhammer. THE FARMING YEAR AT BROXFIELD FARM
BROXFIELD AS A RESOURCE FOR TEACHERSBroxfield is a well managed commercial modern farm, which has a wealth of natural habitats supporting a broad selection of wildlife. Work is now underway to create some different types of habitat including a pond, grass margins around arable fields, and a wild flower hay meadow, which will link up some of the existing woodland. The arable enterprise, cattle, ridge and furrow pasture land and the wide diversity of habitats can provide a large number of opportunities for learning for all stages of the National curriculum. Below are some examples of the learning resources available on the farm in relation to Key Stage activities.
These are just some examples of how Broxfield Farm could be used as a resource for teaching a wide variety of subjects. In summary the farm offers an ideal opportunity for children to gain a valuable insight into the range of issues associated with a working farm and how it fits into the wider landscape. HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES WHEN VISITING BROXFIELDBroxfield Farm is a working environment and as such is a potentially dangerous place. However, providing basic health and safety principles are followed, a visit to Broxfield will be very enjoyable and informative for pupils and teachers alike. The main issues to be considered when planning a visit to the farm are:
Further details are given in the enclosed HSE information sheet AIS23 and should be clearly understood by all those involved in planning a visit to Broxfield Farm. All visitors should follow the Country Code. APPENDIX 1 LAND USEAllocation of land at Broxfield is as follows:ArableTotal arable land 162ha
Inputs Fertilisers Some natural phosphate and potash will be applied. Pesticides No pesticides are used on the farm since organic conversion started Output On average the crops at Broxfield produce:
Suckler CowsA herd of 100 mainly Aberdeen Angus Cross suckler cows are kept at |
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