Ever wondered if a disused horse paddock can become a wildflower paradise? The answer is a resounding yes! We have experience in turning an old paddocks into thriving meadows filled with diverse wildflowers, buzzing pollinators, cheerful grasshoppers, and fluttering moths, with grasses adding to the stunning landscape. The transformation not only beautified the space but […]
Ragwort, a plant that sparks debate among farmers and conservationists alike, presents a complex challenge in land management. While there's no legal obligation to control ragwort, responsible stewardship calls for a nuanced approach. This yellow-flowered plant, though toxic to horses, cattle, and sheep, plays a vital role in our ecosystem. It's the primary food source […]
At James Gillies Consultancy, we are seasoned land consultants specialising in Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications. We've helped numerous clients maximise their funding potential. Here's why our expertise can make a significant difference: Navigating Complexity With 102 actions available and more on the horizon, we ensure clients choose the most suitable options for their farm. […]
It’s critically important to protect new trees and shrubs when planting new woodland. In this woodland the trees were protected well but the shrubs not so…..the deer are sculpting them beautifully!
We overseed wildflower meadows to introduce new species and improve old meadows. Today we are adding some colourful annuals to a perennial meadow to give a blast of colour next spring and summer.
Hot and dry weather: temporary support for trees and woodland in 2022 Find out about the support we are offering to replace trees lost due to this summer’s exceptionally hot and dry weather. Since the hot and dry weather this summer the Forestry Commission (FC) Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and Defra have been working together […]
How changes in UK farming will impact biodiversity gains. Never before have we seen such massive change in UK farming. It’s happening now and affects all farmers, those in Oxfordshire being no exception.So what’s going on? There are a number of direct impacts, including two critical factors: a reduction in financial support and increased input […]
End of Day 4 progress on the wildlife pond in Bedfordshire James talks us through the progress at the end of week one of this wildlife pond project. For more on wildlife creation projects please contact james@james-gillies.com
Day 4 of the ongoing wildlife creation project. James talks us through his early morning onsite. Update on the wildlife creation project in Bedfordshire, creating habitat for fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. For more information on ponds and wildlife projects contact james@james-gillies.com
James Gillies talks us through the progress on his Bedfordshire Wildlife Pond Project
Day two of James's wildlife pond creation project located near Bedford. James talks us through day two progress and how he decides how to create the pond, the essential equipment used. For more on wildlife creation projects contact james@james-gillies.com
James talks us though the first day of the wildlife pond creation project, how the project is set up and the equipment used. This daily volg of the project will help better understand the work in creating a wildlife wetland space. For more information on wildlife initiatives and how James can help you email james@james-gillies.com
Using drones and analysing drone footage is the best and fastest way for us to now survey and easily diagnose land management issues. Using drones saves time and money and enables us to quickly pinpoint any issues, survey inaccessible areas and to povide surveys of land and farm buildings. We also use drones to do […]
This week I was asked by a client with a small farm about the posibility of 're-wilding' - the short answer is re-wilding is only effective on a large scale. James explains more here... Contact james@james-gillies.com to discuss your land plans, big or small!
We are right in the middle of the tree planting season - it's shaping up to be a busy later end of the season now that we are at last getting some frost and hopefully less rain! With a bit of luck the ground will dry out now and we can crack on; planting into […]
There has been publication of new funding for small woodlands in 2020... James tells us more here. For more information on woodland funding - and project creation in general contact James to discuss how we can help you create a biodiverse habitat for wildlife whilst not needing to meet the financial obligations!
This is the first in a series of weekly blogs answering some of the questions I have helped clients with over the past few months. The information contained in these blogs may not be a full answer to your questions, if you require further information, please get in touch you link below. What sort of […]
Drones had received a bad press lately largely due to mis-use around airports however their usage in a land management capacity cannot be understated. Being able to survey large sections of land without disturbing the natural environment is invaluable, as is being able to access areas such as rooves without using ladders or cherry-pickers. Topographic […]
Ash dieback is a fungal disease affecting the common ash tree (Fraxinus Excelsior) and other Fraxinus species. It is caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus Fraxinus which is native to eastern Asia. The disease is now sadly widespread throughout Europe where it has been observed damaging ash trees for over 25 years. It was first […]
Wildflower Meadows for Wildlife. Inside Your Meadow. Meadows are wonderful, evolving entities. The first year of any meadow it has a huge array of beautiful annuals for colour, however your subsequent years are always a fantastic surprise as to what you will get. Different flowers will germinate in different years all dependant on the condition […]