Singing Fields - Why Sound Matters in a Thriving Landscape

As the winter frost recedes and the first signs of spring emerge, the landscape at Mill Barton comes alive with the unmistakable chorus of birdsong. After months of quiet, the air is filled with the melodies of nature—proof that the land is stirring and that a new cycle of life is beginning. At Mill Barton, we take pride in the relationship between the land and the birds that call it home, the Red Devons that help maintain it, understanding that their song and presence is a direct reflection of the health of our environment.

The return of birdsong to our fields is one of the most joyous signs of the changing season. The first notes we hear are often those of the Snipe, its drumming call echoing over the damp meadows, a sure sign that spring is on the way. As the days grow longer, the Skylarks rise into the sky, their song pouring from high above the earth like a cascade of notes. The robins, tits, and blackbirds join in, each with their distinctive tune, creating a symphony that resonates throughout the hedgerows and fields.

Among these familiar voices, the delicate warbles of the Garden Warbler and Blackcap begin to emerge, filling the thickets and woodland edges with their fluid, melodious songs. The Chiffchaff’s repetitive, cheerful call is one of the most unmistakable sounds of early spring, a persistent reminder that the seasons are shifting. Soon, the Willow Warbler joins in, its descending, wistful notes carrying on the breeze, a sound that epitomises the gentle unfolding of spring.

But perhaps the most eagerly awaited call of all is that of the Cuckoo. Its distinctive, echoing song announces its return from Africa, a sound that has signified the arrival of spring for generations. The Cuckoo’s presence is fleeting, yet its call is deeply embedded in the rhythm of the countryside, a timeless marker of the season’s renewal.

Soaring Skylark on the farm, April 2024

Following swiftly are the Swifts and Swallows. These birds, who travel thousands of miles to return to our farm, bring with them the promise of warmer days and longer evenings. Their aerial displays and joyful chatter are a reminder of the incredible migration journeys they undertake and of the delicate balance of the natural world.

The chorus of birds that greets us each spring is not an accident; it’s a reflection of the careful stewardship we practise here on the farm. The birdsong we hear each day is directly tied to the way we manage the land. Unlike intensively farmed landscapes, where the focus is on maximising output at the expense of biodiversity, we’ve chosen a path that prioritises ecological balance.

One of the ways we do this is by maintaining species-rich hay meadows, which provide food and habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds. These meadows are not fertilised with artificial chemicals or treated with pesticides, meaning they remain full of the wildflowers and grasses that birds depend on. Skylarks and other ground-nesting species find shelter here, while insects and other small creatures thrive, ensuring a healthy food chain.

The hedgerows, too, are an essential part of the landscape. These corridors of nature act as vital refuges for nesting birds and insects, and they play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. By allowing our hedgerows to grow freely and only cutting them when necessary, we ensure that they remain full of berries, seeds, and shelter for birds like Robins, Blackbirds, and Tits. The insects that buzz through the grasses and flutter through the hedgerows also provide an essential food source for the next generation of birds.

Our Red Devons, roaming across the meadows, play an equally important role in this delicate balance. These cattle are not just part of the landscape—they help shape it. Their grazing patterns create varied sward heights, which in turn allow different plant species to thrive, creating the perfect conditions for birds and insects alike. The careful management of our cattle ensures that the land remains healthy and diverse, providing a foundation for both wildlife and farming to coexist harmoniously. The Red Devons, with their calm temperament and low-impact grazing, work alongside the land and the birds to foster a thriving ecosystem.

Our farming practices may seem different from the typical agricultural model, but they are rooted in a deep understanding of how nature works. Birds, cattle, and the land work in harmony. The birds help control pests by feeding on insects, while also contributing to the health of the soil through their droppings, which fertilise the earth. The Red Devons, in turn, support biodiversity through their grazing, which helps maintain the open spaces and diverse plant life that the birds rely on.

By allowing the land to rest and recover, we encourage this natural collaboration. Fields left to grow long and wild support more wildlife, while our decision to avoid intensive farming allows the soil to retain its vitality and its ability to nurture life. This partnership between birds, livestock, plants, and soil forms the foundation of a healthy, sustainable farm, where nature’s cycles are allowed to unfold without interference.

As we start to see the first few flutters of spring, we’re reminded that a healthy landscape isn’t just seen—it’s heard. The return of birdsong signals that the land is thriving, that our efforts to preserve the balance between nature, birds, and livestock are paying off. Each bird call, from the first Robin of the year to the distant song of a Skylark, is a testament to the success of farming that prioritises biodiversity, patience, and care.

For us, the sounds of the farm are as much a part of the landscape as the fields themselves. As we listen to the chorus of birds that fills the air, we feel a deep connection to the land and to the creatures with whom we share it. And as the Swallows and Swifts return to, we know that our work is helping to create a space where nature can thrive— and where the sound of life will resound through the fields, echoing across the land for years to come.

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From Meadow to Plate - The Power of Species-Rich Hay