Rawcliffe Bridge
BASF have worked collaboratively with the Hinchliffe family at Rawcliffe Bridge since 2002. Over this time, dramatic changes have been made, resulting in significant biodiversity gains.
Biodiversity’s rich rewards
At first glance the Hinchliffe’s 350-acre farm at Rawcliffe Bridge near Goole in East Yorkshire looks like the efficient, productive arable farm that it is. But when you take a moment to look and listen, what is fascinating about this place is that you enter a vibrant world of diverse bird, insect and plant life; a balance between intensive farming and highly effective wildlife management.
BASF has partnered with the Hinchliffe family at the farm since 2002 in implementing practical wildlife enhancing measures to encourage biodiversity whilst not detracting from the highly productive arable areas of the farm.
The farm at Rawcliffe Bridge
The Hinchliffe’s farm has a wheat-based rotation and much of the wheat is grown under contract for seed.
Most of the soil is known as ‘warp land’, a highly fertile alluvial plain extending to depths of between 10-18 inches resultant of intentional flooding from the adjacent Dutch River sometime between 1820 and 1850.The result is that it is perfect for growing some of the best quality wheat in the UK; because of this it is used for extensive fungicide, seed treatment and wheat variety trials (averaging 24 varieties every year) in a joint venture between BASF and leading plant breeders.
Improving biodiversity is just part of the objective of demonstrating sustainable intensification of cropping at Rawcliffe Bridge and The Grange. Best practice agronomy using current technology and techniques drives profitable crop production and the same technology and techniques can be used to improve biodiversity. Effectively managed crop production and improved biodiversity are a powerful and socially responsible combination; they are both key drivers in managing sustainable intensification of farming.
Approaches implemented at Rawcliffe Bridge
Feeding 'Tail corn'
‘Tail corn’ or screenings harvested from the headlands is used as bird feed in the yard and on farm tracks over the winter
Nest Boxes
In 2003, 30 nest boxes were put up for hole-nesting birds like tits and tree sparrows. By 2011, we had increased the number of next boxes on the farm to just over 100. This significantly boosted blue tit, great tit and tree sparrow numbers.
Barn Owl nesting boxes
We have put up barn owl nesting boxes at the edge of the established woodland and along hunting flight lines.
Summer Insecticides
Summer insecticides have not been used on winter wheat for over fifteen years. Instead, we have looked to other IPM measures to control the risk posed by summer aphids.
OSR cutting
By cutting the oilseed rape directly instead of swathing, we delay going into the field by 10-14 days. This gives more time for the resident reed buntings to fledge their last brood of young.
Ditch management
We have carefully managed Rawcliffe Bridge’s many ditches and dykes to encourage water voles to recolonise. Nearly every field has a ditch around two sides, which provide good wildlife corridors and the annual dredging and cutting is delayed until October on a rotational rather than annual basis to encourage the tussocky grasses favoured by voles.
20 years at Rawcliffe Bridge
In July 2022, we celebrated our 20-year collaboration with the Hinchliffe Family at Rawcliffe Bridge and our commitment to sustainable agriculture. Check out the highlights video including the announcement of the inaugural winner of the Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability.
