A visit to Lincolns Farm & Investments Ltd, Walkern

Peter and Margaret Lincoln and their son Tony have ensured through arduous work that their farmland is a true example of Biodiversity. The land is over six hundred acres and is a pleasure to be able to see.

Peter has planted 220 trees, mostly oak, a nuttery and walnut grove along with cover hedging cover trees and fruit trees.

There have been eight ponds dug around his land, each offering wildlife refuge, cover, food and water.

Peter wants to plant two more oak trees and dig one more pond and then he feels he has finished.

During a trip round there were, apart from ponds, various woodland areas which display a carpet of bluebells and a variety of native trees.

Examples of the wildlife seen included pheasant’s male and female a herd of deer including two white does, French partridges, grey squirrels, llamas although not on his land, clouded yellow butterfly and peacock butterflies, badger setts.

There is also set a side fields which are left to encourage wildlife and insects as well as giving the fields a rest.

Hedgerows are trimmed off paths but allowed to grow wild, inviting insects, wildflowers as well as wildlife to inhabit them. Sunflowers are grown for their beauty but also to offer food to the birds through the Winter months.

Historical Facts – Oak trees were cut down for WW2 – The war effort, but a stump was left. Today it is still in situ looking like a beautiful carving and open like a fan.

An artifact of a metal pigeon was dug up on the land and is at present in Hitchin Museum. It is hoped to be returned to its home in Walkern and homed in the Pigeon Hut run by Walkern History Society.

Most of the land is private, but Dovecote Lane (Track) is owned by Peter and there is a public footpath that goes up and to Dane End/Weston or turns left and comes back to the top of Froghall Lane. Peter has also allowed a bench to be erected on the footpath edge to allow walkers to rest and look out onto the green countryside. Lincolns Farm & Investments Ltd are to be congratulated on their ongoing work to preserve and enhance their farmland for the benefit of the environment and Walkern.