Bookham Farm is still essentially a commercial farm but we have always encouraged wildlife. Much of the farm is in Countryside Stewardship and in the South Wessex Downs Environmentally Sensitive Area (Dorset). We have planted several acres of Woodland and over the years we have put up owl, kestrel and other bird boxes around the farm. The hedges are allowed to grow up and are trimmed to an A shape, depending on the species, every 2 - 3 years.
Follow the Wessex Ridgeway Farm Walks, over our own farm and that of neighbouring Dorset farms. The trail is way-marked by signs and notice boards, giving you information about each farm, the wildlife, landscape and archaeology.
During a spring and summer wildlife holiday you may see scarce wildflowers such as the Common Spotted Orchid or Birdsfood Trefoil and look out for the Common Blue Butterfly or Six-spot Burnet Moth.
Our Bookham Court lake is a wildlife haven and allows coarse fishing free of charge. Situated in the field next to Great Coombe, Little Coombe and Wagon House, the lake accommodates ghost, common and mirror carp and is available to all guests.
Andy and Nicola enjoy showing guests around Bookham Farm and showing them the abundant wildlife. In 2006 Andy was winner of the FWAG Otter Trophy for conservation and runner up in the Farmers Weekly Countryside Farmer of the Year Award 2007.
