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Huntsmill
is a mainly arable farm of 650 acres. Historically, most of the
land was down to pasture, which provided grazing and hay for cattle
and sheep.
It
is for this reason that the fields, which, today are mostly in arable
crops, remain fairly small with lots of mature hedgerows providing
a beautiful landscape of gently rolling countryside. There are lovely
views of the surrounding countryside from the tops of some of the
hills, where hares can often be seen in the young corn, or larks
wheeling in the skies above. On the banks and in the hedgerows many
wild flowers can be seen growing in the clay and limestone soils
in summertime.
The
farm is in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, the aims of which
are to sustain and improve the natural beauty and diversity of the
landscape whilst enhancing and protecting wildlife habitats and
other natural features. There are several woods and spinneys, some
streams and 55 acres of ancient meadows slope gently down to the
banks of the River Ouse, which meanders for over 2 miles from Fulwell
to Water Stratford.
There
are lots of footpaths and a bridleway, and many opportunities to
enjoy walks and nature trails around the farm. The site of the old
watermill, from which derives the name of the farm, can be found
close to the river in what we believe is one of the unspoilt and
beautiful pieces of Old England.
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