MATSON GROUND

WINDERMERE

• THE FARM
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• ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
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• VISITORS

ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

The farm is mostly rough grazing and inbye land interspersed with rocky outcrops, ancient natural woodland, areas of wetland and parkland with fine specimen trees.

The low level of fertilizer use involved in organic production is thought to have resulted in increasing diversity of wildflowers on the hay meadows and the wetlands are managed to encourage wetland species both by the fencing off and, in some cases, the reintroduction of cattle grazing.

Under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme, new stands of Juniper are being planted with cuttings taken from existing older plants.

GEOLOGY

South Lakeland sandstone, siltstone and slate.

SOIL TYPE(S)

Heavy loam with some peat soils on the higher ground.

FAUNA

Red squirrels were seen up until 18 months ago, but there currently appear to be only grey squirrels.

Red deer are prevalent and deer fencing has had to be put up to protect newly planted stands of Juniper.

Owl nest boxes have been put up and barn and tawny owls are nesting on the farm. Frequently seen birds include buzzards, kestrels, jays and partridge and waders such as herons, snipe, woodcock and curlew. There are a number of badger sets.

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HEDGEROWS

There are 707 metres of hedgerows some of which were planted under the Lake District ESA scheme.

FLORA

 

 

 

 

Wildflower meadow species.
Orchids, Juniper, ancient semi-natural woodland managed under a Woodland Grant Scheme agreement.

ARCHAEOLOGY

At Brathay, there are some charcoal pitsteads in the form of circular grassy areas where charcoal burning would have been carried out. A bronze age axe has been found which also at Brathay which is thought to be connected with a nearby bronze age fort.

There are also old sheep washes – holes sunk in the ground near drains that would have been used for washing sheep prior to taking them to market.

DRY STONE WALLS

The farm has long lengths of stone walls – some 20,105 metres.  This has been maintained under the ESA scheme and now forms part of the new Higher Level Stewardship agreement.

VERNACULAR BUILDINGS & FEATURES

Matson Ground farmhouse was built in 1721 and the adjacent barn is also thought to date from this period.  Next to the farmhouse is the main house which would have been built at the same time, but which has been extensively altered up until the 1930s.