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Lackham estate is fortunate to be located in the heart of rural Wiltshire inheriting a range of habitats and landscape features of benefit to wildlife conservation. The Bristol Avon, a noted coarse fishery, forms a natural boundary to the estate. The river provides a useful resource and is administered as a syndicate fishery.
Game fishing activities take place at two mature Put and Take Stillwater fisheries which are leased by the College and on a stretch of the Hampshire Avon at Bulford Mill.
In addition the Westbrook flows through the estate to its confluence with the Bristol Avon. Standing water resources on the estate consist of ancient Carp ponds and conservation ponds.
Lackham has excellent links with the Environment Agency, the Institute of Fisheries Management and local coarse and game fisheries. This allows students to be involved with wetland and fishery management operations.
Woodland on the estate extends to some 15 hectares and represents deciduous broadleaf and woodland dominated by conifers. Hazel Coppice is well represented within the resources as a series of coupes.
Lackham’s woodlands are multifunctional and are managed to demonstrate timber production, recreation, education and wildlife conservation. Hedgerows and new plantings are managed to link existing habitat features, create wildlife corridors and provide natural features within the rural landscape which is further strengthened by its fine, mature, specimen and veteran trees.
Lackham has excellent links with the major woodland bodies and local woodland enterprises. This allows students to be involved in large-scale woodland and forestry operations and management.
Game and wildlife resources are typical of a lowland estate. The College runs a small syndicated shoot on the estate and has links with a number of sporting estates in Wiltshire. The College is a member of the BASC, Game Conservancy Trust and the CLA.
Sound methods are used to promote and protect the estate’s game and wildlife resources. Habitat improvement and management strategies do much to conserve the rich flora and fauna of the estate.
Lackham has excellent links with national and local wildlife bodies and groups and is involved with many local wildlife initiatives. The farm has entered the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in 2002. The College seeks to educate the stewards and trustees of the countryside towards wise use and sustainable yields.
Hedgerows are trimmed to an ‘A’ shape, creating a thick secure hedge bottom, and a plentiful supply of berries for overwintering birds and mammals.
Whilst modern husbandry practices form the basis for Agricultural Management
on the Estate, the application of pesticides and chemical fertilizers is
carefully controlled to ensure economic management of crops and sympathetic
management of the countryside.
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