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The Farm |
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Wroxall Cross Farm is a working farm of over 500 acres. With the exception of the ancient woodland, Wroxall Copse, it is all grassland, including chalk grassland, and the fields are bordered by hedges. |
| The farm is grazed by pure bred Highland cattle. With the stock totaling 165 cows and followers, it is one of the largest folds (herds) in the country. The cattle are bred for beef and pedigree sales. Highland beef is of exceptional quality, being high in protein but low in cholesterol. |
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The farm is within the Isle of Wight’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). Part of it is SSSI. It is all in beautiful, unspoilt countryside.
| From the Downs on the farm, one has sweeping panoramic views for almost the full length of the Isle of Wight, from the white Culver cliffs in the east to the white cliffs below Tennyson Down in the west. Much of the Isle of Wight can be seen from the farm and there are further views across the Solent to the mainland and the South Downs. |
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The National Trust is our largest neighbour. Their research has shown that Wroxall Down, part of which lies on our farm, has been occupied for over 4,000 years. King Harold’s mother owned the farm before the Norman Conquest, after which it was taken over by William the Conqueror. The Crown owned it for many years. It figures in the Doomsday Book which contains reference to Wroxall Copse and 17 slaves in Wroxall!
During WWII the farm witnessed some vicious bombing and aerial battles as the Germans targeted the radar station on the adjacent down. Three enemy aircraft were shot down on our farm and there are many bomb craters.
Wight Conservation is the farm’s operating name. It is the leading privately owned conservation estate on the Island. Together with good farming practice, conservation is one of our twin priorities. All decisions take into account what is best for wildlife. There are healthy populations of foxes, badgers and hares which are regularly seen. In Wroxall Copse there is not only the elusive Red Squirrel but also the exceptionally rare Bechstein and Barbestelle bats.
There is an abundance of both wild flowers and bird life. Management of our fields for cowslips and orchids is important to us and our plans include greatly improving the habitat for birdlife. A recent entomological survey has shown it to be important for invertebrates.
There are nine public rights of way across the farm, from which you can view most of the farm’s wildlife splendour.
For more details please visit: www.wightconservation.co.uk
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