Cholsey Grange Farm

Conservation & access

In recent years Cholsey Grange Farm has planted over two thousand trees and many hundreds of yards of native hedges. The farm has recently emerged from a ten-year contract with Defra for Higher Level Stewardship, which mostly revolved around maintaining species-rich chalk grassland.

A recent audit

0 acres
of native species woodland planted
0 m
of mixed native hedgerow planted or replanted
0+
trees planted in recent years
0
owl boxes maintained for barn owls
A collie running away down a woodland ride carpeted in golden autumn leaves, with coppiced hazel on one side and mature beech on the other.
A woodland ride on the farm in autumn.

Continuous improvement

We are keen to continue our programme of additional hedges, copses and environmental initiatives, and look forward to adding to this important legacy as funds, land and time allow.

In particular we will continue with wide field margins, which are packed with wild flowers and the occasional orchid. The margins are great feeding areas for birds. Bird food plots on the farm support at-risk species including skylarks and yellowhammers.

Alongside the planting, we manage deer populations and maintain rare chalk habitats, balancing productive agriculture with conservation.

A barn owl chick in white down being held gently for measurement by a licensed handler.
A barn owl chick being weighed and measured by the Barn Owl Trust.

Footpaths

Cholsey Grange Farm is bisected by three footpaths which we help to maintain, including the Chiltern Way long distance footpath. They are often used by groups such as Duke of Edinburgh participants, and by competitors in events such as the Chiltern Challenge.

If you come across any obstruction on one of these footpaths, a fallen tree for instance, please let us know on 07740 298474 and we will clear it as quickly as we can.