Source: Positive News
A trial of a 13th century farming method has transformed a stretch of Gower peninsula coast
A project that reverts to traditional farming methods last used widely in the 1940s has transformed a stretch of Welsh coastline into a haven for rare animals, birds and wildflowers – boosting numbers of some by 300 per cent.
The ‘strip field’ farming involved planting flower crops alongside more traditional arable crops and wildflower meadows on 45 hectares of farmland near Worm’s Head in Rhossili.
Two years on, the area now boasts an array of rare birds, such as the grasshopper warbler, common linnet and hen harriers. Small blue, grayling and wall brown butterflies have also returned to their former habitat.
Now, those behind the trial hope it could be replicated by more intensive farms.
Four National Trust rangers and 80 volunteers spent the last 12 months recreating the 13th century patchwork of fields on The Vile, creating 2,000 metres of banks and hedges. They were removed after the second world war in favour of more intensive farming methods.
The land, before and after

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