Sansaw integrates sustainable practices across all aspects of its Estate Management under-pinning the Estate’s core purpose to profitably and sustainably manage and enhance our built and natural environment for the benefit of future generations.
Our focus has always been on long-term stewardship of the land and property, balancing commercial operations with preserving and enhancing both our built and natural environments.
It is always a pleasure welcoming people onto the farm at Sansaw, I am passionate about grass based dairy farming and relish the opportunity to share our experiences and to learn from other people.
Bref Daly, Sansaw Farm Manager
Farming & Land Management
Grass-Based Dairy
We operate a large, low-input grass-based dairy herd where cows graze outdoors working with the seasons to maximise production in line to match the season high-quality protein rich milk.
Soil and Water Health
We proactively monitor our soils, undertaking annual soil testing for key nutrients, soil carbon and soil organic matter with aim of enhancing our soil quality over time. Our farm infrastructure of drains, ditches, hedges, fences and tracks are continually assessed and maintained as the maintenance of ditch networks to manage surface water, prevent flooding, and protect soil structure.
Educational Outreach
The farm welcomes visits for agricultural educational initiatives like the School of Sustainable Food and Farming to demonstrate practical land management
Energy
Green Energy Purchasing
Wherever possible the Estate purchases energy from certified renewable sources. As part of our dairy contract with Arla, it is a requirement to purchase electricity from renewable sources, wherever possible this has been rolled out across several of our supplies.
Renewable Generation
In 2022 we installed solar panels on our dairy shed roof, converting solar energy into electricity that makes a significant contribution to our electricity requirement to run the dairy unit. Fallen branches and waste timber are used to fuel a biomass boiler servicing several Sansaw properties.
Energy & Infrastructure
Green Transport
In 2024 we introduced electric vehicle charging infrastructure at the Pavilions, Sansaw Business Park with plans to extend the network to the wider business park.
Ground and Air Source & Source Heating
In 2007 we employed ground source heat pumps to provide heating to the Pavilions on Sansaw Business Park. More recently, we have utilised air source heat pumps as the principal source of heating for several of our recently refurbished rental properties. Our aim is to expand the use of these technologies across the Estate’s property portfolio.
Water
The Estate has several boreholes that draw water from the Triassic sandstone aquifer which encompasses a large swath of North Shropshire, including the Estate. These natural water resources supply both the Dairy, and the Estate’s private water supply.
Ecology & Biodiversity
Woodlands and Hedgerows
We manage 400 acres of woodland and over 50 miles of hedgerow and have recently planted thousands of native trees and hedges to create new habitats and enhance wildlife corridors across the Estate.
Wildflower Meadows
In the past five years we have established a network of wildflower meadows across the Estate to support native pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and beetles. This has ensured we are maximising biodiversity opportunities.
We have taken a proactive approach to planting new hedges and reinvigorating our woodland management with a view to enhancing the landscape and biodiversity for future generations
Adam Osbaldiston, Trainee Estate Manager
Buildings & Houses
A key ambition of the Estate is to provide energy efficient houses working within the constraints of our late 19th Century, early 20th Century property portfolio. This requires careful management of building design to ensure houses have sufficient airflow to prevent damp whilst trying to maintain heat within the fabric of the building. Where possible and appropriate we install under floor heating and suitable insulation as part of the ongoing refurbishment program.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Sansaw, we are a long-term business with a generational horizon therefore what we are investing in today, whether it be planting new hedges or woodland or future proofing our historic housing stock, these commitments will benefit future generations.
James Thompson, Sansaw Estate Managing Director