Conservation on the Felbrigg Estate

Felbrigg has a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest across the estate, within the Great Wood and some of the parkland. There are ancient Beech which are reputedly the furthest north on acid soil, and also some rare fungi and lichens. Our ranger team work hard to conserve the estate to protect it for future generations.
A helping hand for nature
A large part of the estate is in High Level Stewardship (HLS) with currently 240 hectares in our direct management. As part of the HLS, tenant farmers agree to maintain seed and nectar strips and reduced stocking levels of grazing animals. We use no fertilizer, insecticide or pesticides although a minimal amount of herbicide is used to control thistle and ragwort.

Wildlife on the Felbrigg Estate
Felbrigg's diverse habitats have something to offer the animal lover at every time of day and season.
This work has encouraged wet loving species to spread, providing a greater diversity of plants and insects and we hope to see wading birds, such as Snipe and Lapwing, return to nest on the pasture.
We have seen greater numbers of duck and geese using the water and a Bittern - normally coming for a quick look round - has stayed for several months. We have seen Oyster Catchers prospecting and our grass management should mean that they will stay with us in the coming years.
We couldn't do it without you
Thanks to our supporters, we are able to continue the vital conservation work needed to protect Felbrigg for everyone, for ever.