Black-grass is every farmer’s worst nightmare. It’s one of the biggest challenges to profitable arable farming in the main wheat growing areas of the UK. Whilst there are a number of ways to tackle it, one of the most effective techniques is to go back to basics and actually focus on improving land drainage. What… Continue reading Banish black-grass with better drainage
Guide to measuring your soil health
Soil health is ‘the ability of soil to function’. Soil is the foundation of any farm and it is essential for it to be healthy in order for your farming efforts to be worthwhile. Why is soil health important in the UK? The UK has 700 different types of soil and four million hectares are… Continue reading Guide to measuring your soil health
5 Easy Steps To Install A Land Drain
Exactly as its name implies, a land drain is designed to drain excess water away from domestic gardens, fields or any other grassed areas. Installing a perforated land drain pipe allows water to be collected and carried to a soakaway, water course or surface water drain – preventing the ground from becoming waterlogged. The question… Continue reading 5 Easy Steps To Install A Land Drain
Guide to Biobeds
Biobeds have become an increasingly popular method for the removal of pesticide from the water used in sprayers in recent years. Biobeds can be supplied as indirect or direct biobeds or in the form of a biofilter. Here’s our guide to what they are and how we can help you with them. What is a… Continue reading Guide to Biobeds
What is causing drainage and flooding issues on farms?
Large areas of farmland were recently left underwater as swollen rivers and watercourses burst their banks, highlighting the impact that flooding and poor drainage can have on UK farms. But what is causing it to happen and what can farmers do to prevent it? Here are some of the main causes: Climate change Since 1998,… Continue reading What is causing drainage and flooding issues on farms?
Guide to maintaining drainage ditches on farms
Having a good ditch maintenance strategy is vital to help prevent future flooding problems on farmland whilst also protecting wildlife. Here is our guide to maintain ditches: Why are ditches important? Ditches play an important role on farms as part of its drainage network. Land drainage systems are designed to flow into these watercourses and… Continue reading Guide to maintaining drainage ditches on farms
Guide to maintaining a land drain system in the winter
The start and end of the year generally tend to be the wettest months but it’s also the ideal time to undertake some general maintenance of your land drains and watercourses to make sure they are working properly. Here are our top tips: Check your ditches Ditches play a vital role on farms in managing… Continue reading Guide to maintaining a land drain system in the winter
An Insight into the Future of Farming
With Brexit done and the Agriculture Bill now passed, it is clear that the farming sector is set for real change in the coming years. But what might that look like? The challenge ahead With the global population predicted to exceed 9 billion by 2050 of which a third are expected to live in urban… Continue reading An Insight into the Future of Farming
Why it’s important to celebrate World Soil Day?
We’ve heard lots in the press about the damaging effect of plastic waste on our oceans or the impact of deforestation but what about soil? Soil is our life support system – it provides anchorage for roots, holds water and nutrients but sadly it’s also under threat. With a background in farming, we know too… Continue reading Why it’s important to celebrate World Soil Day?
Why the wet weather didn’t hamper our harvest?
In spite of the record-breaking rainfall during October, the harvest wasn’t hindered here at Hermitage Farm. The farming team managed to get our maize crops off during the second week of October as a result of our well-drained fields. Hermitage Farm is based at Cotterill Civils’ HQ and has been a part of our MD’s… Continue reading Why the wet weather didn’t hamper our harvest?