The farm, managed by Louise Bond of Bruce Seaman Farms, received the award from Norfolk FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) for its exemplary implementation of conservation measures alongside their commercial farming business.

Bedingham Hall Farm, which is part of the Waveney Farming Cluster Group, has been working for some time to restore ponds, plant new hedgerows, enhance grasslands, lay and coppice older hedges, create woodland and to provide areas for wildlife around their farming business operations. The farm is a great example of how wildlife can thrive alongside commercial arable farming.

With 75% of Norfolk’s land being farmed, work like this is crucial to support nature’s recovery, through providing wildlife-friendly habitat, connecting the landscape and inspiring other landowners.

We worked with Bedingham Hall Farm through the Claylands Wilder Connections project, which supported Louise in implementing a wide range of conservation measures across the farm. Subsequently, we have continued to work with Louise to deliver further enhancements. The work delivered in partnership includes:

• Restoring eleven ponds, vital for aquatic species and biodiversity. Survey work has shown a spread in the protected great crested newt following pond restoration work.
• Planting and enhancing over a kilometre of hedgerows, providing crucial habitats and wildlife corridors.
• Adding field edge blocks of over 200 trees and planning for the creation of nearly two hectares of woodland via the English Woodland Creation Offer.
• Enhancing five hectares of grassland to increase botanical diversity, through the use of volunteers to spread green hay and hand-collected wildflower seeds.
• Hosting conservation events including training on hedgerow survey techniques, guided walks and tree pack giveaway events.

Ben Newton, our Wilder Landscapes Adviser, reflected on the partnership:

“It’s been a real pleasure to help support Louise over the past three years in the great work that is taking place at Bedingham Hall Farm. Forward thinking landowners like Louise are boosting wildlife friendly habitats, alongside their commercial farming businesses, showing that it really is possible to do both things together and achieve fantastic results”.

Louise Bond, of Bedingham Hall Farm, said of the work: “This award is a testament to what can be achieved for conservation by working together and we are thrilled with not only the award, but also the improvements in habitats across our farm. We have worked hard to incorporate conservation alongside our farming business, as part of NWT’s Claylands Wilder Connections project and these achievements would not have been possible without their expertise and guidance. Norfolk Wildlife Trust have been such an important part of this journey over the last few years and we really can’t thank them enough for their help to date and we are look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with them to do our part for wildlife.”

The Claylands Wilder Connections project (October 2021–March 2023) was a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the connectivity of wildlife habitats across South Norfolk. Focusing on hedgerows, ponds, copses, trees, and meadows—the essential fabric of the countryside—we worked closely with landowners and communities to create more resilient ecosystems.

The recognition of Bedingham Hall Farm underscores the importance of partnerships between conservation organisations, communities, and farmers in safeguarding Norfolk's natural heritage.

Further information

If you are interested in advice and support to enhance wildlife friendly habitats on your farm then please contact: Ben Newton, Wilder Landscapes Adviser: email benn@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

Farm wildlife advice