Burnham Farms has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to conservation and has been awarded the ‘Norfolk Grey Partridge Farmland and Biodiversity Award’ which is sponsored by Mills and Reeve. The award acknowledges the significant contribution to conservation delivered across the Estate. Harvey Forder conservationist at Burnham Farms since 2021, collected the award on behalf of the Estate, at the Royal Norfolk Show.
Located in West Norfolk, Burnham Farms is a mixed arable farm. A total of 210 acres is dedicated solely to conservation work. In addition this is supported by a rolling ten-year woodland management plan to ensure long term biodiversity across the farm.
At the heart of the award is the recovery of the grey partridge, a native farmland bird that has seen a significant decline across the UK, mainly due to intensive farming. Since 2021 the population of breeding pairs on Burnham Farms has increased from 21 pairs to a peak of 71pairs
Wider biodiversity gains have also been substantial. Annual bird surveys have recorded 97 bird species, up from 51 in 2021. More than two thirds of these birds are listed on the BTO’s birds of conservation concern list. 24 red listed and 39 amber listed bird species have been recorded. In addition the breeding survey in 2026 listed record numbers of skylark, greenfinch, linnet, white throat and yellow hammers. New species on the farm include quail, stone chat, mister thrush, and turtle doves. Oyster catcher, lapwing fledglings and wild pheasant have all have substantially increased as a result of the conservation work being undertaken.
The improvements are a result of the establishment of a comprehensive programme of habitat creation and land management. Designed to provide a year-round food source, shelter and a safe breeding environment.
Key conservation highlights since 2021 include :
- 11,435m of hedging using 58,000 hedging plants have been planted in the last 5 years.
- Creation of wildflower margins, bumblebird mixes and winter bird food plots
- Use of over winter stubbles and unharvested crops to support farmland birds
- Installation if 11 water scrapes
- Monitoring and delivering a long-term woodland and habitat management programme
These initiatives have created a diverse environment, supporting a wide range of farmland birds, pollinators and wildlife.
Robert Carter said ‘We are delighted to receive this award. It is a great credit to Harvey Forder and the farming team and those who have contributed advice and wise counsel. Over the past five years it has been very encouraging to witness the positive impact of the work carried out by Burnham Farms. Our objective is to protect the environment and improve biodiversity wherever possible and practical. The key focus for the future is that we continue to enhance the environment for current and future generations.”
A spokesperson for Mills & Reeve added: “Burnham Farms is a standout example of what can be achieved through forethought and long-term commitment to biodiversity. Their success in restoring grey partridge numbers and enhancing habitats across the estate made them very deserving winners. “
‘The Mills & Reeve Norfolk Grey Partridge Farmland Biodiversity Award’ was formally presented to Harvey Forder at the Royal Norfolk Show in recognition of Burnham Farms as a leading example of practical conservation in practice, and the vital role that Norfolk Farms can play in supporting the future of the countryside.
