Environmental Policy
James Foskett Farms take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and it is our policy to continually improve our growing systems and standards to meet our environmental and social responsibilities. Our farms have a commitment to wildlife and landscape conservation and enhancement. Nothing will be done that deliberately harms the environment and thought will be taken during all farming operations.
To help reduce our Carbon footprint 300KVA of solar panels have been installed and we use nearly all the energy produced in our cold stores and workshop. Buildings are all insulated to save energy and all electric motors including Irrigation pumps are fitted with inverters which are very energy efficient.
The existing wildlife habitats and landscape character has been assessed and evaluated and an overall farm plan has been prepared and implemented. The overall objective is to protect and encourage diversity of wildlife and respect and enhance the character of our farms in the Deben Valley.
There is ESA, SSSI, SPA and RAMSAR sites on the farm and 20 percent of our land is uncropped. Most of that area being down to Cricket Bat Willow production which is great for the environment and wildlife.
There are several ponds and irrigation reservoirs on the farm as well as reed beds which encourage a very diverse spread of species. Hedges, margins and some reeds are cut rotationally to give good cover during winter and for spring nesting sites, as well as leaving food sources when they are most needed in January and February.
The farm is host to several footpaths which are managed by us for the benefit of the general public to enjoy. This is encouraged by us, so long as walkers stay on paths, respect the countryside and keep dogs on leads. Low farm is nearly all farmed organically and we encourage Farm walks for groups of people who are interested in this type of Farming and to see the environmental effects and benefits.
Low Farm features a number of key BAP habitats and species for which the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB is important. Some of the more unusual species found include:-
Black poplar, bittern, kingfisher, water rail, turtle dove, redshank, greenshank, common sandpiper, oystercatcher, barn owl, nightingale, skylark, linnet, Ceti’s warbler, reed bunting, bearded tit, lapwing, little egret, little grebe, sand martin, Peregrine, Hobby ,spotted flycatcher and yellow wagtail, water vole, otters and four species of deer.
Despite arable farming being the predominant land use, there is a very rich and varied range of plant, bird and invertebrate species characteristic of the natural area, including a small number which are nationally rare, and many local rarities.
