Farmland
Situated in an Area of Outstanding natural beauty, Highclere Estate consists of 5000 acres which is comprised of 2000 acres Arable, 1200 acres Parkland and 1800 acres Woodland and Highclere Stud etc. The land comprises a mixture of chalk, clay and greensand. The estate is run as a mixed farm, growing a variety of crops as well as being home to a flock of 1400 Romney X Lleyn Breeding ewes and a small herd of British Lop pigs.
Farming is one of the oldest professions in existence. As times move forward, we must adapt our farming techniques. Porchester Farms has been taking steps to improve efficiencies. Investing in the latest technological GPS guidance in order to improve yield and productivity.
Over the years we have adapted our crop rotation, introducing more pulses and cover crops to reduce reliance on artificial fertilisers and chemical weed control. We have adopted an integrated pest management plan to farm more ecologically. Incorporating the flock of sheep in our arable rotation has improved soil structure and fertility whilst increasing soil organic matter.
- Arable Farming
- Livestock Farming
- Sustainability
- Meet Our team
Arable Farming
Arable Farming
The Estate grows a variety of crops on a rotational basis over 2000 acres on the home farm. As well as this, 500 acres under a contract farming agreement for a neighbouring farm.
We grow a variety of crops including; Milling wheat, Milling Oats Seed crops, Maize, Malting Barley, Beans, OSR, Linseed, Wild flower seed, Tritcale for conservation mixes, Hay, Haylage, Cover crops and Grass Leys.
We have a modern fleet of agricultural machinery to ensure we are producing high-yielding crops in a cost-effective manner.
Livestock Farming
Livestock Farming
Entering the Estate, you might spot our flock of sheep roaming amongst the pasture. We run a closed flock of 1400 breeding ewes (New Zealand Romney X Lleyn).
In addition, our four rare breed British lop sows may be seen wallowing and rooting on the farm.
Sustainability
Sustainability
Meet Our team
Meet Our team
Our History
The Carnarvon family have been farming Highclere Estate in hand since 1950 when the 7th Earl then Lord Porchester left the army. His son George (8th Earl of Carnarvon) joined him in partnership in the 1980s and continues the farming operation today.
The history of farming at Highclere goes back over 600 years to when the Bishops of Winchester. Whom built what was one of the largest grain barns in southern England at Manor Farm Old Burghclere in 1450.
The historic environment is very visible. The overall scope, views and history of how people lived here can still be read from the landscape.
The Estate includes archaeological sites such as Beacon Hill, medieval dykes, ancient barns (dating from 1485), old woodlands and warrens. There are surviving remains of the routes our ancestors took, the places they lived in and how they tilled their land.
The landscape and farm provided food, water, shelter, awe inspiring views, places to relax and places to work. There are still breathtaking views today providing enjoyment for visitors walking through the silence and peace.
OUR MISSION
Farming records at Highclere reach back over 600 years. Our mission is to farm our land to produce, on the one hand, the best quality food crops and on the other to ensure there is space for the wildlife and the natural world with whom we share this part of Hampshire. It is about balance and all underpinned by care for the sustainability of our precious soils on the chalk downland.
Our fields are bordered by stretches of wide wildflower boundaries which provide key reserves for insect species and birds and, in fact we have planted 3.52 miles of wild flower margins for pollinator species which also provide overwinter habitats for farmland birds.
New mixed woodland plantings on arable fields will add to the natural reserves whilst Highclere also manages 244 acres of SSSI grassland and has created a further 28 acres of species rich chalk downland. Our sheep flock graze the chalk downlands and parkland returning fertility to the soils whilst managing the grazing regime to benefit the natural landscape.
There are 36 acres of field corner habitats for birds, insects and mammals and 15 acres of nesting plots for stone curlew and lapwings. Recent surveys conducted observed 33 species of bird benefiting from our winter bird feeding.
We are tenants of a beautiful farm in north Hampshire and we hope to leave it in better health for future generations. What we can and do grow within the natural limits of our soils and water is the best of ryegrass, oats, hay and barley which we hope your equine friends whether for performance or riding enjoyment will enjoy and thrive as part of their healthy diets
