Environment
Wildlife at Littleton
Field buffer strips with no applications of fertilisers or sprays.
- A RSPB survey was carried out in 2009. Littleton is a monitor farm.
- Habitats are being created to encourage these target birds.
- Trees and shrubs have been planted under the Farm Woodland Grant Scheme.
See The RSPB Recommendations we have been given to further improve our wildlife habitat >>
RSPB nature of farming award 2013
Bird Surveys
- Click to view the bird survey for Townhead Farm
- Click to view the bird survey for Drumwall Farm
- Click to view the bird survey for Standingtone Farm
- Click to view the bird survey for Littleton Farm
- Click to view the bird report for Littleton Farm
Energy use at Littleton
- An energy audit completed 2009 by The Energy Savings Trust.
- After the review some major structural changes will take place.
- Timers and thermostats used to minimise use of electricity.
- Organic cow manure reduces the usage of synthetic fertilisers.
- Energy efficient light bulbs on photocell switches.
- On the new milking parlour there is vacuum on demand milk pumps, heat exchangers and ice builders.
- This technology will be used to reduce our carbon footprint.
To see our Carbon Footprint Report click here...
Cropping at Littleton
- Soil tests every year are used for a nutrient management plan to avoid excess nutrient build-up.
- No excess phosphorous added to the ration.
- Nutrient application based on pH, K and N only.
- Fields are all located in close proximity to the clamps thus reducing travel times and ultimately diesel usage.
Water use at Littleton
- Clean water is collected from the roofs and is used for milk cooling and then used to wash down yards, so water is used twice.
- Water is pumped from the burn and used for the cow’s drinking water.
- Water usage is 20 gallons/cow/day considerable less than the standard 30 gallons/cow/day.
- Weekly and daily water leak inspection.
Waste Management at Littleton
- A waste management plan completed 2009.
- Contractor monitors slurry application rates.
- 6 months storage capacity so that no application is necessary on frozen ground.
- Packaging is recycled back to the suppliers wherever possible.
- Reuse silage sheets whenever possible. The rest go to Solway Recycling.
- Tote bags and IBC are used to increase recycling.
- Waste by-products from human food and fibre production are used as feed products.
- All metal is recycled.
- Slurry Tower constructed April 2010
Positive impacts of Littleton
- Littleton employs 10 full time employees, enabling local people to work and live in the Fleet Valley.
- Littleton is 4 miles from Gatehouse of Fleet which has local schools and amenities all supported by these families.
- Littleton uses many local businesses including Plumbers, Builders, Joiners, Electrician, Blacksmiths, Veterinary care and Livestock Sundries.
- Littleton produces quality and healthy food products.