Living roots in the ground keep the soil thriving. They keep it aerated, ensure nutrients stay inside the soil and provide food for ‘good’ bacteria and fungi. 

Direct Drilling is one way that we ensure that this happens; without ploughing disturbing and turning the soil, these living roots can remain.

Another way we do this, is with multi-year 'leys' on certain fields. For two years, these acres aren't worked; instead they're drilled with a mix of crops (e.g. Clover, vetch etc) and left for two year periods. The benefits of this are roots inside the soil, food and cover for farmland wildlife, pollen and nectar for pollinators, and can also be useful for grass weed management too.