Sustainability
Working with sustainable producers and suppliers.
We are open to visitors every summer for complete transparency.
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.
Environmental Area
Every year, we take progressively more high-quality, arable land out of agricultural use and return it to marginal land.
We believe in progressive farming in balance with the natural environment.
Low Impact Policy
We prioritise working with partners who practice traditional methods of cultivation.
We achieve high-quality results without the use of chemicals.
Re-Hedging
We are replanting the ancient hedgerows that once surrounded Kinross-shire.
A mixture of hawthorn, blackthorn, holly and dogwood creates a traditional hedgerow and a natural eco-system for songbirds.
Animal Welfare
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.
Bee Programme
Three hives adjacent to the lavender field provide accommodation for 480,000 bees.
Our bees benefit from a healthy, natural environment in which to pollenate.
Case Study
Our Lochan
Thanks to the generosity of our visitors and customers, we have created a safety cordon for target species to thrive without the risk of predation.
1920s- 2017
From the 1920’s Tarhill Farm has 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.