Allerton Project open day marks 25 years of farmland research

The Allerton Project in Leicestershire will be opening its doors to visitors on 28 June to celebrate 25 years of farmland research at the site.

The research farm was established in 1992 by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to discover if high levels of wildlife and biodiversity could be achieved alongside an integrated farm management approach. 

In the intervening years, studies at the farm have identified the value of beneficial insects in crops, improvements in soil health, and reductions in input costs, while also developing a progressive farm business that focuses on innovative landscape management and research.

See also: Adopt agroecology ‘to protect yields and biodiversity’ 

Many of the project’s innovations will be showcased at the free-to-attend event, which will include guided tours around the farm’s specific research sites, which will highlight subjects such as zero-till crop establishment, earthworms, organic matter and soil structural improvement, and insects and pollinators.

Agricology partnership

The event is being held in partnership with Agricology – an online and in-field “one-stop shop” source of information on agroecology practices for farmers to help them become more productive and sustainable, including much of the Allerton Project’s research.

Alastair Leake, head of the Allerton Project said: “Farmers and society are looking for solutions to soil and water protection, whilst providing safe food.  

“Our research has culminated in the production of more than 200 scientific papers and at the open day we will be showing many of the results including a doubling of songbirds, improved soil quality through reduced tillage, developing food sources for pollinators and a reduced need for inputs by harnessing nature.”

Those wishing to visit should register at the GWCT website, or phone 01572 717 220.