LEAF
 

Annables Farm

Annables is 400 acre arable farm adjacent to the M1. Using Integrated Farm Management, we follow a traditional rotation of wheat, oilseed rape, oats and spring barley. We are committed to environmental stewardship in the Higher-level scheme.

Home / Annables Farm
ANNABELLES-FARM-CARD.jpg#asset:421

Farmer: Ian Pigott

Address: Thrales End, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 3NS

Website: www.thralesend.co.uk

Member since 2002 and LEAF Demonstration Farm since 2004


The Farm

Annables Farm is a 1,700 acre arable business in Harpenden, following a traditional rotation of wheat, oilseed rape, oats and spring barley. Ian endeavours to build strong links to local markets. The farm utilises precision farming (GPS, boom spraying, variable rate nutrient application, satellite imaging) and rainwater has been harvested at the farm for over 30 years.

annabels2.png#asset:1161


Activities

The farm is in the Higher Level Scheme. Hedge and tree planting, pond scrapes and restoration, beetle banks, field margins and conservation headlands are among the conservation activities at Annables Farm, as is the beautiful bluebell wood. They all work together to create a biodiversity rich farm, with a wealth of wildlife habitats and food sources. Farming operations are carried out with sensitivity and adjusted to safeguard nesting sites.

Ian built The Farmschool in 2014. The Charity delivers innovative programmes to secondary school aged children. Connecting the curriculum with sustainable farming, habitats, food and society through ‘Fork to Farm’ interactive and digital workshops. Ian is passionate about reconnecting the message of Integrated Farm Management and the benefits of a strong symbiosis between biodiversity and production agriculture.


Particular interests/farming topics:

  • Policy
  • Communication of farm activities

About LEAF Demonstration Farms

LEAF Demonstration Farms are commercial farms, which show the beneficial practices of Integrated Farm Management (IFM) to a broad range of audiences, through organised visits. They communicate an understanding of IFM in order to encourage uptake by farmers, support from the industry and political awareness of sustainable food and farming.

Visit this farm

Click here to arrange a visit to this LEAF Demonstration Farm.