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. […]
The United Kingdom has been grappling with unprecedented rainfall in recent months, causing significant disruptions to farming practices and land management across the country. Between October 2023 and March 2024, England experienced its second wettest 6-month period on record, with rainfall nearly 60% above the 10-year average. This extreme weather has had far-reaching consequences for […]
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 […]
There has been significant media attention this weekend, including in the Financial Times, Times, and the Telegraph, focused on comments from environmental groups such as the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, Green Alliance and Wildlife and Countryside Link. These organisations have expressed concerns that announcements in the Government’s growth plan to reform bureaucratic processes in the planning system, create […]
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 […]
If you thought 2021 was a year of change in the farm and land management landscape, then just wait for 2022! How we manage our landscape is changing more quickly than ever before, driven by environmental and political pressure. State financial support for growing food is reducing with farm Basic Payment Scheme disappearing completely by […]
I've been approached to place my land into a biodiversity offsetting scheme. Should I? I've been involved with biodiversity and habitat offsetting since early 2018, designing schemes, ecological surveys, drawing up management plans, costing projects, and on the ground delivery. Should you get involved? Well, it depends on your specific situation. Net gain will be […]
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 […]
Buying your country property can be a big step into the unknown. Not only do you now have a house to look after, with all its unknown quirks that you’ll only discover gradually over the years, but also land that doesn’t look after itself in any tidy shape or form. And how quickly do grass […]
Perfectly working pond overflow on a wildlife pond we created last year. The pond is working perfectly, the inlet and overflow ensures the pond levels are kept so that the pond works exactly as designed and the banks don't become water-logged. For consultation and pond creation please contact James
James's thoughts on a walk in the countryside - thinking about the maintenance and habitat potential in dry stone walls. If you have a topic you'd like James to chat through, advise on or do a blog/ vlog about - please get in contact james@james-gillies.com