In 2005 The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust purchased White House Farm, an organic oasis in the middle of Suffolk, with the purpose of conserving dwindling rural habitats, especially ancient hedgerows and lowland meadows and their wildlife, and of promoting an ecological and caring vision of country stewardship amongst the public.
In 2007 work began, with volunteers where possible on the following areas:
1. Scrub clearance: clearing encroachment, mostly of ash, to restore species-rich grassland
2. Removing tree guards to enable healthy growth of young trees
3. Tree surgery and pollarding of mature ash
4. Allowing a good variety of dead wood to lie unimpeded in order to benefit wildlife
5. Coppicing of willows next to pond to allow light through to the water and to orchid glade
6. Beginning process of surveying the following areas: ponds, birds, insects. Some surveys now complete, others still to be done.
7. 2 projects with conservation students from Otley College: small mammal population study and comparative grassland project
8. Construction of 10 nesting boxes for bats and tits, using volunteer labour, and installation of 2 barn owl nesting boxes
9. Organic vegetable gardening and composting
10. Grazing of rare breed British White cattle for conservation of the species-rich grassland
11. Support for community groups on nature retreat days and guided walks
12. Workshops showing creative use of natural materials
13. Providing community computer with internet connection as part of BT Community Award
14. Obtaining planning permission for a showcase carbon neutral visitors centre and accommodation
15. Providing a web site to disseminate information and encourage volunteer participation and membership
A land management plan was commissioned in 2007 and is referred to for the best practice in land conservation to enable the land to return to its former glory, to protect its biodiversity and to encourage native species to colonise and regenerate.