At Lye Cross Farm, we are dedicated to not only making delicious cheese, but also to doing so in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything that we do, from the way that we raise our dairy cattle, to the products we offer in our Farm-shop.
We believe that it is important to protect the planet and its resources for future generations, and we are constantly looking for ways to help reduce our carbon footprint and practice regenerative agriculture.
So, lets take a look at the top 4 ways we’re making a difference at Lye Cross Farm!
1. Our new 100m hedge: A sustainable solution to the age-old problem of cow containment!
Why choose a fence when you can have a hedge?!
Not only are hedges a much more sustainable and visually appealing option for fencing, but they also have a positive impact on the local ecosystem.
We recently planted a new 100m hedge on one of the farms, which in the coming months will provide a habitat for birds and insects, helping to support biodiversity.. and let’s not forget about the cows!
Not only will our new hedge help to act as a natural barrier for livestock, but studies have shown that cows are happier and more productive when they are surrounded by greenery and natural environments, such as hedges, so they also keep our cows happy.
At the end of the day, isn’t that what sustainability is all about?
Creating a harmonious balance between humans, animals, and the environment? We think so, and we can’t wait to see how our new hedge thrives!
2. Instavolt at the Farm-Shop
Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers, due to their lower operating costs and zero emissions. These characteristics make electric vehicles a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option compared to petrol or diesel-powered cars.
At Lye Cross Farm, we are committed to supporting sustainable transportation choices and recently installed two Instavolt chargers in our Farm-shop car park to make it more convenient for our customers who own electric vehicles to charge whilst they shop!
So next time your car is in need of a charge, why not pop by and enjoy a hot roll and coffee while you wait?!
3. Tree Planting: From Unproductive Land to Thriving Habitat
At Lye Cross Farm, we have a long history of planting trees and investing in sustainable land management practices.
35 years ago, we recognised the potential for certain areas of the farm that were not very productive to be transformed through tree planting.
One such area (pictured) was an old railway line that we filled in. We planted trees that were just 300mm tall, and over the past 35 years, we have carefully managed the wooded area to create a thriving habitat for wildlife and a great carbon sequestration sink.
Today, this wood is a mature and lush forest, full of life and contributing to the health and well-being of our ecosystem.
As the trees grow and absorb carbon from the atmosphere, they play a vital role in helping to create a more sustainable future!
4. Soil: Caring for Our Greatest Asset
As farmers, we understand the vital role that soil plays in our operations. Whether it’s thin soil on a welsh mountain growing grass for sheep, or deep peat soil in the Fens growing vegetables, soil is the foundation of successful agriculture.
That’s why we prioritise the health and sustainability of our soil. To maintain the quality of our soil, we follow a number of best practices;
We never drive on wet soil, as this can cause compaction and damage the soil structure. We also carefully monitor and apply only the necessary nutrients to our crops, as over-fertilisation can lead to nutrient imbalances.
Additionally, we regularly sample and analyse the nutrient content of our soil, as well as assess the organic matter it contains, to ensure that it is in optimal condition for crops and cattle.
At Lye Cross Farm, we understand that healthy soil is our greatest asset. No soil, means no grass, no crops, no cows, no milk and no cheese, and it is our responsibility to protect it not just for now, but for future generations to come.