Progressive & Sustainable farming lies at the heart of our work.
We work to leave our local area in a better place for future generations to enjoy.
Instead of signing up for expensive certifications, we prefer to take a more direct approach.
Each year, we work on a range of ambitious projects to improve and diversify our farm.
Visit us to see how our initiatives are benefiting the local environment.
See some of our recent work:
Tarhill Farm Lochan
We have transformed old trout fishing lagoons into a one acre lochan.
This lochan not only contributes an additional level of tranquillity to the farm, but also serves a vital ecological function. Each spring, several birds and endangered ducks raise their young away from danger.
Every year, we take high-quality, fertile arable land out of agricultural use and allow nature to flourish.
Since the agricultural revolution, vast swathes of Scotland's fertile soil have been transformed purely for high-intensity arable farming.
This has pushed native plant and wildlife outwards to the edges.
We are doing our part to reverse this.
We believe in progressive farming in balance with the natural environment.
Animal Welfare
We operate a complete ban on hunting and shooting throughout our farm.
We have seen a considerable impact on the visible levels of animal diversity without any damage to our crops.
Among our residents are roe deer, badgers, hares, ground nesting birds, bees, butterflies, water voles, frogs, and specialist species of ducks. A pair of osprey are seen hunting during the summer months.
Bees
Three hives adjacent to the lavender field provide accommodation for 75,000 bees. Our bees benefit from a healthy, natural environment in which to pollenate.
We insist on harvesting by hand to cause minimal disruption.
In the summer, at least six different types of bumble bee can be seen enjoying the lavender.
Low Impact Policy
By tending to our crops the old-fashioned way, our products contain the best of these wonderful plants.
We believe in progressive farming without reliance on damaging chemicals.
In harmony with nature.
Re-Hedging
We are on a mission to re-plant the ancient hedges that once surrounded fields in Kinross-shire.
Our mixture of hawthorn, blackthorn, holly and dogwood creates a traditional hedgerow and a natural eco-system for songbirds.
Case Study
Tarhill Farm Lochan
Thanks to the generosity of our visitors, we have created a safety cordon for target species to thrive without the risk of predation.
1920s- 2017
Since the 1920’s Tarhill Farm accommodated the hatchery facility for the production of Loch Leven
Trout for release into Loch Leven and for further markets.
The facility at Tarhill was substantially
increased during the 1980’s but due to a range of environmental and commercial considerations the
plant was closed in the 2010s.
The redundant fish ponds comprised a series of large holding lagoons and supply channels with existing
drains and outflow channels.
2017
Thanks to the generous public interest in our work, we were able to develop a plan to re-purpose the abandoned lagoons.
The plan consisted of a one acre lochan with suitable islands to provide secure nest sites for target bird species.
Redundant earth material was to be used to create a bunding to shield nesting birds from dogs on the nature trail.
2018 onwards
The lagoons were merged together and successfully re-flooded.
We planted a series of willow trees along the Eastern boundary to provide a wind shelter.
The lochan provides an invaluable habitat for native species.
A family of mallards in the lochan.
A swan nesting on the lochan.
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