The Cholderton Estate
is an excellent example of sustainable agriculture in action.
The Estate follows all the key principles for farming sustainably,
including conserving and enhancing the natural environment, minimising
consumption, producing safe and healthy products, ensuring animal
welfare, support to the rural economy and public benefit.
The
2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) estate, owned by Henry and Felicity
Edmunds, is a commercial, mixed farming enterprise with a strong
focus on nature conservation. The Estate also demonstrates the
practice of diversification.
Cholderton
already has a reputation as a model for sustainable agriculture.
Because of the wealth of wildlife supported by the Estate, it
was chosen as an ideal venue to launch the Biodiversity Action
Plan for Hampshire. It has also been used by farming organisations
for demonstration purposes and by many, including the RSPB, as
a study site.
This
website, developed with assistance from Hampshire County Council,
provides an insight into sustainable farming practice at the Cholderton
Estate and demonstrates what can be achieved on other farms and
landholdings.
