Environmental Policy

Sheepdrove Organic Farm aims to farm sustainably, to the best organic standards, and create healthy produce whilst protecting and enhancing the environment.

We will strive to make Sheepdrove a truly sustainable enterprise, to protect the long-term future of wildlife and the environment and of all the people involved with us.

Strategic Implementation

The Environmental Policy applies to all aspects of our work. All staff at Sheepdrove Organic Farm share in the responsibility for the success of the Environmental Policy.

Each department and enterprise manager will promote and implement our positive approach to sustainability that is rooted in this Environmental Policy.

The Commercial Director is responsible for ensuring that the Environmental Policy is communicated to all staff, and that awareness of the policy is part of all staff inductions.

The Commercial Director is responsible for regular monitoring and review of the Environmental Policy so it is kept relevant, up-to-date, and is used across the whole farm.

Energy and Fuel Use

Energy efficiency is key. We should choose the most energy-efficient options for farm operations. Sheepdrove should also favour ‘greener’ sources where practicable. (Current investigations into alternative energy.)

We use renewable energy to recharge batteries powering poultry feeders with photovoltaic cells; also heat exchangers and solar panels contribute to heating at Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre.

All new light fittings use energy efficient bulbs and tubes; all replacements musty be low-energy bulbs. All computers, copiers and other office equipment where possible, have automatic ‘power-down’ facilities.

Sustainable Water Management

Water efficiency is key to our sustainable water management. To continually develop sustainable water management all enterprise managers should consider everything from the water source, water usage in different enterprises, right through to how we deal with the wastewater through the DAF plant (Dissolved Air Flotation) and in our ecological Reedbed Water Treatment System.

Sheepdrove’s activity should protect and conserve the chalk aquifer as our source of water, both in terms of abstraction, and also in terms of preventing pollution to the land and the underlying aquifer.

Waste

Sheepdrove aims to reduce, re-use and recycle wherever possible. All sections of the business should minimise waste, and deal with waste sustainably. Cartridges from printers and copiers are recycled, and waste paper is sorted and sent for recycling.

The Commercial Director will maximise the potential to process our own waste within the Sheepdrove composting operation. Farm bedding and green waste is composted.

Packaging

Wherever possible, recycled and recyclable packaging should be used. Any packaging materials used must not affect the taste or character of the product.

Purchase and Contract Policies

Wherever practicable, sustainable options should be favoured within purchases, sourcing supplies and contracting, such as: choosing local providers, eco-friendly options, sustainable growers, recycled goods, low-pollution products and organic produce. Two of the key themes for assessing suppliers are Carbon Footprint and Water Footprint.

Building works and renovations to premises should be done using sustainable timber (e.g. Woodmark certified) and organic or ‘environmentally friendly’ paints, and other products.

Cleaning products used at Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre and the staff cottages are to be environmentally friendly and biodegradable, and should always be the best option for protecting the Reedbed System, which treats all the wastewater.

Catering at the farm sources products direct from the farm and its gardens where possible. Refreshments for staff and visitors are always organic, and fairly traded where available.

Biodiversity and Landscape

Sheepdrove Organic Farm has always farmed with wildlife in mind, and is deeply committed to the proactive conservation of biodiversity, habitats and the landscape.

We have a policy of implementing suitable government agri-environment schemes but we also work beyond these, to support and enhance our biodiversity in the living landscape.

Our conservation priorities closely reflect those of local and national Biodiversity Action Plans, rarity lists (e.g. Red Data Books), and targets of the North Wessex Downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Planting projects and introductions such as fish stocks for the lake should prioritise British native species and stock that has been sourced locally where possible.

Ancient landscape features and archaeology must be conserved.

We have a Green Travel Policy, and advocate the use of alternatives to travel by car wherever possible.