Postern House Farm
Postern House Farm is farmed by the Robinson family and is a typical East Staffordshire family farm. The total unit is just over 500 acres (202 hectares) with some of the land lying out as far away as Rolleston on Dove. It is a ‘mixed’ unit, which means that both arable and livestock farming are practiced on the farm. Until February 2005, there was a 190 cow dairy herd, but this was sold due to a change in policy. Aberdeen Angus beef cattle are the primary stock found on the farm now, with grassland let for winter sheep grazing. Arable crops grown include Oilseed Rape, Wheat and, of course ………..Maize.
The farming practices have altered enormously at Postern House Farm in the last few years. In 2002 the partnership successfully entered a 67acre (27 hectacre) block of land into the National Forest. This can now be seen as the fledgling Sinai Park Woodland. It is highly visible from the A38, carpeting the side of the Trent valley. In 2004, the partnership successfully entered into a DEFRA funded ‘Countryside Stewardship Scheme’. This has created habitat for a variety of wildlife and increased flora diversity in a relatively short space of time. Species of birds such as the Lapwing and Skylark have benefited from land being left undisturbed through the winter, whilst the creation of feeding areas and the increase in invertebrates have led to a more plentiful supply of food.
In 2004, Postern House Farm opened a Maize Maze for the first time. Adrian Fisher – The world’s leading maze designer - was involved in the concept and design, making it a truly world class attraction for East Staffordshire. The maze drew over 8,000 visitors in the 6 weeks it was open last year, proving a popular day out during the school summer holidays.
View looking down at Postern House Farm and the National Forest Maze