Our Story

Hi,

I’m Catherine and I have lived at Yew Tree Farm all my life.

I am the third generation that has farmed here, we have mostly farmed traditionally besides a small and unsuccessful foray into intensive pig farming in the early 90’s- we have a wonderful natural hay meadow with over 90 plant and grass species which not only feeds the animals in winter but sustains hundreds of insect and bird species as well.

We had ground nesting sky larks in the summer so we delay cutting the hay until after they had finished their 3rd breeding cycle, which our wildlife friendly approach to farming enabled. We have harvest mice and adders, the only place thought to be within the city boundary or locally.

We have many hundred mature trees, copses, woodland and the most wonderful hedgerows; all inside Bristol’s city boundary which makes Yew Tree Farm unique. The landscape we have is ‘re-wilded’ and regenerative which is vital for wildlife to thrive.

We have cattle that graze this species rich pasture and work symbiotically with the flora and fauna.

To say living here excites me is an understatement, it is such a wonderfully rich environment and the contrasting backdrop of a big city is amazing.

Following a recent visit from Tim Curley, Avon Wildlife’s Living Landscape Manager he commented;

‘’ Local food production is hugely important and the low intensity farming that your family has practised is a great example of what is possible for those interested in the relationship between farming and wildlife’’

Dr Helena Crouch, Naturalist who undertook a meadow survey wrote-

‘’The meadow supports a huge number of insects and is incredibly important for pollinators.. there really were clouds of butterflies using your meadow all the time and the sounds of grasshoppers’’

Traditional, nature friendly and low intensity farming along with a strong local approach from farm to fork will help save the planet. We are hoping fellow Bristolians will support us so we can be a part of the city for at least another 3 generations.