FARMERS were invited to a tour of wildlife-friendly farm near Sutton Scotney recently in a bid to encourage more farmers to follow suit.

Rare farmland birds and cornfield plants thrive on Tom Coleman's Lower Norton Farm, where wildlife-friendly practices go hand-in-hand with profitable agriculture.

He was persuaded to open his gates for a day to farmers and crop consultants from Hamp-shire and surrounding counties.

The demonstration day was organised by Hampshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), Hampshire County Council and Hamp-shire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, with backing from the NFU and Knight Frank.

Hampshire FWAG adviser Matthew Norris-Hill said: "Farmers manage more than 80 per cent of land in Hampshire and they are best placed to deliver conservation on the ground.

"Lower Norton Farm is an excellent example of the integration of good farming practice and wildlife conservation.

"There have been a number of new habitats created and the farm supports a good range of species, including skylarks, grey partridge and brown hares."

Lower Norton Farm has about 500 acres of mainly arable land with traditionally managed hedges, a restored woodland, and former watercress beds that have become a wildlife-rich wetland. Many improvements to habitats have been made with the help of grants under the Government's Countryside Stewardship scheme.

Like many farm businesses, Lower Norton Farm has diversified, converting redundant buildings into stabling, and offices now home to the Arable Research Centre (ARC).

Careful crop rotation on the farm is the key to minimising chemical inputs by avoiding any build-up of weeds or plants pests.

The ARC uses the arable land for crop trials and for trials of low-cost cultivation techniques that have minimal environmental impact.

Bordering the crops are broad grassy margins, that act as buffer strips protecting wildlife habitats from applications of spray or fertiliser and are home to beneficial insects and foraging birds.