Mid tier stewardship seed supplies

[Woodlander]

I have around 10ha of Flower Rich Plots (AB8) and around 6ha of Winter Bird Food (AB9) to set this spring. I've spent the afternoon trawling the web looking for products and prices for seed. After looking at around 6 different seed sellers websites I've found large variation in the species in the mix for both options, and massive variation in prices as well.

Overall I'm looking for good environmental gain, but without breaking the bank.

I set some Flower Rich Plots around 12 years ago, and bought the seed from Cotswolds, and was happy with the results, but they are very expensive now compared to the competition, and there are many more competitors now than 12 years ago.

Basically I'm looking for recommendations from TFF members. All of the plots will be on heavy, wet land, so the species in the mix need to be suitable, so the cheapest price may not be the best for my circumstances

I'll also be looking for some Supplementary Feeding (AB12) in the autumn. Again I'd be interersted to know where people buy their mixtures. I'll have wheat, oats, barley and OSR available to create a mix but would be looking to perhaps buy some red and white millet, and maybe other seeds to add to the mixture.

TIA

 

[Gone Shooting]

Kings ( Frontier ) weve used for the shoot with great success

 

[DRC]

@Great In Grass @Kevtherev or i have just received catalogues from Oliver seeds and Horizon seeds

 

[Brisel]

Heavy land will require a different mix of species to survive and do the job well. As above, the two resident seeds suppliers, Kings, Bright Seeds, Hubbards (United Oilseeds), @Oakbank , Bartholomews

 

[carpenter1]

I use @Great In Grass can highly recommend

 

[willy]

Yes I have just ordered 5ha wild bird seed of @Great In Grass

 

[Woodlander]

Kings ( Frontier ) weve used for the shoot with great success

Thanks.... Called them earlier. There website is sh1t compared to the competition. ..... 'we'll ring you back before 5'. Still waiting.......

 

[Woodlander]

Thanks.... Called them earlier. There website is sh1t compared to the competition. ..... 'we'll ring you back before 5'. Still waiting.......

Thanks for replies so far. A few more to look at, and some I've already studied - so well worth asking.

 

[willy]

I have found the catalogues of kings especially, has got worse with very few photos of mixes.

 

[steveR]

Thanks.... Called them earlier. There website is sh1t compared to the competition. ..... 'we'll ring you back before 5'. Still waiting.......

Funnily, I too called them, as the site has apparently fallen apart and I kept getting dead link throughs... I asked for a catalogue instead... I have found Kings to be competitive and the seed mixes to be good.

I used Brights for a couple of wb plots last year, nice mix but on the expensive side I felt.

 

[steveR]

I have found the catalogues of kings especially, has got worse with very few photos of mixes.

The Frontier effect....

 

[carpenter1]

How much is 1 ha of seed for ab9 this year?

 

[Brisel]

£200/ha. Of course it doesn't cost that - the seed suppliers know what the CS payment is, so are profiteering accordingly.

 

[BigBarl]

I have around 10ha of Flower Rich Plots (AB8) and around 6ha of Winter Bird Food (AB9) to set this spring. I've spent the afternoon trawling the web looking for products and prices for seed. After looking at around 6 different seed sellers websites I've found large variation in the species in the mix for both options, and massive variation in prices as well.

Overall I'm looking for good environmental gain, but without breaking the bank.

I set some Flower Rich Plots around 12 years ago, and bought the seed from Cotswolds, and was happy with the results, but they are very expensive now compared to the competition, and there are many more competitors now than 12 years ago.

Basically I'm looking for recommendations from TFF members. All of the plots will be on heavy, wet land, so the species in the mix need to be suitable, so the cheapest price may not be the best for my circumstances

I'll also be looking for some Supplementary Feeding (AB12) in the autumn. Again I'd be interersted to know where people buy their mixtures. I'll have wheat, oats, barley and OSR available to create a mix but would be looking to perhaps buy some red and white millet, and maybe other seeds to add to the mixture.

TIA

Hi Woodlander,

I have some AB8 established on similar cack to yours - took a while to get going but the fine grasses have established really well, not sure some of the flower species have thrived but there are enough there now to satisfy the requirements. i'll get some prices and bang them on an email to you.

 

[Great In Grass]

£200/ha. Of course it doesn't cost that - the seed suppliers know what the CS payment is, so are profiteering accordingly.

Some maybe, half that price here for the most expensive mixture.

 

[Brisel]

Some maybe, half that price here for the most expensive mixture.

I owe you an apology then, and an email when I order this year’s! Looks like my leg was lifted, though it was a bespoke mix.

 

[Woodlander]

Thanks for all the replies. I've received several quotes and can say that @Great In Grass has come up with some 'great' prices and 'great' service! [emoji106]

 

[Great In Grass]

Thanks for all the replies. I've received several quotes and can say that @Great In Grass has come up with some 'great' prices and 'great' service! [emoji106]

I do have my moments!

 

[Woodlander]

Hi Woodlander,

I have some AB8 established on similar cack to yours - took a while to get going but the fine grasses have established really well, not sure some of the flower species have thrived but there are enough there now to satisfy the requirements. i'll get some prices and bang them on an email to you.

You describe my soil type so well!!

 

[Marsh lad]

I'd recommend oakbank , very knowledgeable people who know the ins and outs of countryside stewardship.