In principle the ecology of the farm is simple - in practice a little harder!
Although we are in communication with them, Barn Farm is not currently registered with the Soil Association because we have to buy in our foodstuffs and hay rather than produce it ourselves. We do however try to conform to organic standards in as many ways as we can.
All our livestock are kept in as humane and natural conditions as is reasonably possible. They all have access to grass in clement weather, with good shelter available otherwise. All foodstuffs are GM free, and if possible purchased locally from known sources.
No chemicals or phosphates are used on the land whatsoever as we compost all animal waste and re-apply it when the grass is resting. This not only fertilises the land, but also improves soil structure - something no chemical can do! We consider that soil crumb structure and health is paramount.
No drugs are given to any animals as a matter of course, only if needed for the treatment of a condition.
The farm is split up into small paddocks and the livestock are rotated on a regular basis so they inhabit a different area each time. A lot of pests that live in the ground are specific to a particular group of animals and will die if these are not present for three weeks or so, so this form of control is quite effective.
As we believe that wild animals make a contribution to the balance of nature we have provided havens for them on different parts of the farm by creating a copse and protecting hedgerows. In time there will be breeding and feeding areas too. More information here.