The farm supports several beetle banks.  These are raised banks which connect hedges across a field.  They are planted with tall rough grasses such as cocksfoot, timothy and reed canary grass.  The grasses form a safe habitat for ground nesting birds like grey partridges.  Their key role is in providing a habitat for predatory insects like ladybirds, spiders and beetles.  These insects feed on pest insects such as aphids in the adjoining crops.  This means that we do not need to use any insecticides on the farm.

Hares and deer shelter in the long grasses.  The beetle banks break up the size of a large field and in the process form a wildlife haven.