Seeds of New Nature Sanctuary Planted

Dec 4, 2019

An environmentally aware Northumberland farm is hoping that flocks of people will visit their proposed bird and nature reserve to bring a piece of the countryside to urban residents.

Stickley Farm, near Cramlington has its historical roots dating back to William the Conqueror and has been in the Hogg family for more than 120 years. The arable farm produces corn, wheat and barley and for the last 25 years, bird and poultry foods produced under the Laverock Hall Bird Food brand.

What started out as an order for bird food for pigeon fanciers has now led to a major part of the farm’s output with more than 16 food products for pigeons, hens and wild birds.

Farmer Chris Hogg invented the recipe for his wild bird food which is now sold all across the UK via their outlet at nearby Laverock Hall Farm Shop, other retail shops such as garden centres and an increasing online presence. The upturn in the bird food’s popularity has enabled Chris to diversify, employ more staff and update his farming machinery. It’s also allowed him and wife Valdine to look at how they are using their 600acres and to examine ways to nurture, invest and utilise the land that they look after.

“We have a deep-rooted love of the countryside and its wildlife is at the heart of our business. Ours is a hands-on family farm and we integrate everything we do with nature. Feeding our feathered friends and keeping them healthy is just what we do. For example, we plant 122 acres of seed into the ground every year and leave it for the birds to eat over the winter. I’m hopeful that our forthcoming plans will encourage more people to take an interest in the abundance of wildlife on our own doorsteps, “said Chris.

The Hogg’s have started to develop a large area of their land as a nature and bird reserve which will be open for organised groups of the public to enjoy the abundance of wildlife present. With plans to build bird watching hides, a nature footpath and a number of wet fowl ponds, the work is expected to be ready for its first visitors by Spring 2020.

Already more than 10 acres of native trees have been planted. The mix of thousands of new hazel, oak, scots pine and alder trees have been carefully selected and placed to make good nesting and food sources for birds and other wildlife such as squirrels.

Bird watchers will be encouraged to visit the oasis of wildlife between Blyth and Cramlington and there will be self-guided nature walks and hides for groups to use.

“Both Chris and I want to put something back into our community and let local people come and see how wonderful our countryside is. It’s amazing that we are just feet away from the main Cramlington to Blyth road yet the birds and animals we see are amazing. We regularly see lapwings, ducks, skylarks and visiting migrant flocks,” said Valdine.” We’re looking forward to putting our farm firmly on the map as a great place to get closer to nature.”

Photo shows: Valdine and Chris at the farm

Credit: The Bigger Picture

Media Enquiries Keith@highlightspr.co.uk07814 397951

Laverock Hall Farm    Blyth    Northumberland          NE24 4HE

Phone: 01670 736581 www.laverockhallfarm.co.u

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