Vine House Farm announced the amazing £2 million milestone as sunflowers bloomed on the family farm in Lincolnshire.  The black sunflower seeds are part of 400 acres of bird seed crops, which will go into wild bird food mixes, along with red millet, canary seed, oil seed rape and naked oats, all home grown on the farm.

Thanks to hedges, ponds, and wildflower margins at field edges, all created by farmer and award-winning conservationist, Nicholas Watts, the farm is also a haven for flocks of wild birds including, rare and declining tree sparrows, red-listed linnets and lapwing. The money, raised over 14 years, supports the nature conservation work of all 46 UK Wildlife Trusts.

In this region, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has received a cash boost of £3,613.66 from catalogue and online sales during the 2020/21 financial year, taking the total received since 2007, to almost £26,000.

The £3,613.66 is an increase on the 2019/20 figure of £2,150.99 and an indicator that the covid pandemic and lockdowns saw more customers than ever contacting Vine House Farm for expert advice and wild garden bird food.

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Chief Executive said: “Through their own love of wildlife, and working for nature, Nicholas Watts and his family have enabled many other people to experience the joy of nature in their homes and gardens and in doing so to provide fantastic support to the work of all 46 Wildlife Trusts.

“Customers of Vine House Farm who are feeding their garden birds are playing an important part too, helping wildlife thrive to support nature’s recovery. We are extremely grateful to Nicholas and his family for their support and look forward to working with them all for many years to come.”

Farmer Nicholas Watts said: “Summer sees adult birds moult, shedding their old feathers and growing new ones, which takes a lot of energy, so birds still need feeding. Sources of natural food, like insects are declining, and in dry weather worms retreat deeper into the soil. Putting out plump sultanas, soaked in water means young birds can get vital moisture.”

“Watch who visits your garden, whether they’re ground feeders or prefer perching on trees or shrubs and offer a variety of food, so each bird gets what it needs from seeds to suet, or mealworms.”

Remember to keep feeders and tables clean so the birds stay healthy and disease-free.

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