In the last few years we have begun an extensive programme of restoration and conservation:

Fields, drainage, hedges and springs

• Restoring the major pastures with new grass lays, soon to be clover-intensive pastures
• Rebuilding three-quarters of the fencing and revamping the extensive field drain and stream system
• Creating new and less damaging trails for moving cattle and vehicles through the farm
• Restoring the Churchyard hedges, ditches and fencing
• Opening part of the meadowland for back-up grazing by New Forest commoners

Woodland

• Replanting a new woodland to reconnect the ancient Melchet Forest with the New Forest, with the assistance of pupils from Landford Primary School
• Commencing a coppicing programme in the ancient British woodland areas
• Eradication of Rhododendron infestation across Plaitford copse

Rivers and streams

• Starting to restore our riverbanks cutting back the overgrown tree line
• Removing huge amounts of non-native species with the assistance of the New Forest volunteers
• Extracting foreign debris from the main river and stream beds
• Opening the blocked culverts under our main roads to enable better drainage and water supply for secondary fields

What next? How much can we do? It is a long list, however we are working to ...

• Complete the work to restore the fencing, ditches and tree/hedge planting
• Get underway felling our huge black poplar stands and replace them with traditional British woodland species
• Restore the hedges of the Knapman fields with laid hedges and safe footpaths
• Restore the Victorian meadow drainage system
• Work with English Heritage to investigate the moat ("Moot") site and reverse the advance of hedges and trees into the moat
• Restoring the meadow and pasture fauna and flora with wildflowers and clover
• Rebuild the delightful but collapsing farmhouse and Victorian farm yard and farm buildings, and introduce sustainable water and energy technologies