Ticket News
  • Tickets for April will be available to purchase on Monday the 3rd of March at 9am.

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

At Dumble Farm, our core values are conservation, sustainability and ethical practices. We aim to protect the natural environment, create new habitats, improve the local economy and have a positive impact on our visitors. 

We are a small family run working farm based in the peaceful river Hull valley since 1972 and understand the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. 

CONSERVATION

We have around 150 acres of land in a higher tier countryside stewardship agreement. We are providing habitats for declining bird species by creating wetlands. These wetlands simultaneously capture carbon, helping fight climate change, plus assist with flood alleviation and peat preservation. 

Our grasslands support a range of wildflowers, essential to insects and butterflies. The planting of thousands of hedge plants and the digging and restoration of ponds and areas of scrub, create wildlife corridors and add to the range of habitats for birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and plants. In the last few years, we have planted around 800 hundred trees, these contribute to the flourishing biodiversity on the farm and offer shade to livestock. We have grown trees from seed on the farm, these will be planted in the next few years as part of our ongoing tree planting aims. 

There are no artificial fertilizers used on the farm and we aim to fight weeds by using natural predators. We are breeding dock beetles that can be introduced into problem areas to control the spread of invasive docks, this way no chemical weed killers need to be used. 

RECYCLING

We believe sustainability goes beyond just stewardship however, we aim to reuse material wherever possible. We have used coppiced wood to create brash walls and log piles, these provide homes for insects and birds. Old hay is piled up for snake refuges and used tin sheets are laid down in the sun for reptiles to hide under. Old bricks, tiles and drainage pipes have been made into a hibernaculum for amphibians, donated wood offcuts have been turned into nesting boxes. The ‘Dumble Bus’ trailer was made by us, from a retired grass collecting machine and parts of our old milking parlour. We plan to make willow bird watching screens from coppiced willow and re-use fencing and building material whenever possible. We compost cardboard packaging. 

ENERGY AND WATER

The farm has solar panels so that we can generate our own electricity, a biomass boiler to reduce the use of fossil fuels and water is supplied sustainably from our own bore hole. 

REDUCING TRANSPORT AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Food supplied to guests is cooked on the farm, using ingredients from the farmhouse garden and local suppliers wherever possible. Leftover food is composted or fed to the farm animals where suitable. 

We work closely with our neighbours ‘Laurel Vines’ at Aike, running tours that allow visitors to see the wildlife habitats at both locations and learn about sustainable wine and farming methods. Guests also enjoy locally produced food and drink. 

Dumble Farm has strong links with Tophill Low nature reserve a short distance away. We are increasing the nesting habitats for many of the birds that frequent the reserve, plus we hope to introduce rare plant species that are being propagated there, thus helping them to thrive in the wider area. 

We are working with Yorkshire Water and installed turn platforms and sandmartin banks at our tranquil lake. We have support from the Hull Natural History Society who have undertaken a wildlife survey for us and the local RSPB group who will be assisting with bird surveys. We have strong connections with Tophill Low Nature Reserve, aiding with rare wetland plant establishment. We have supported local charities, including Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and one of our main aims is to promote the amazing landscape and wildlife we have in East Yorkshire. 

Farmer Fi (Fiona Wilson) is CEVAS accredited and Dumble Farm welcome local school groups. We provide children with the opportunity to learn about conservation, where food comes from and the benefits of eating locally and sustainably produced meals. 

VISITORS

At Dumble Farm we believe that wellbeing is a core part of sustainability, as a family we support each other and welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. We prioritise a safe and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all. 

By combining sustainable farming, animal welfare and wildlife conservation, we aim to make a positive and meaningful impact to all visitors to the farm, where they can join us with a love of animals, the beauty of nature and a feeling of wellbeing.