The 3 hectare croft had been wholly deer fenced and planted up under a Woodland Grant Scheme in around 2006.
With backgrounds in natural history, Phil and Laura Knott soon realised how rich the biodiversity was. They also appreciated how much more could be included, soon giving it the handle Wildlife Croft Skye.
Why Trees?
Phil and Laura have an abundance of wildlife at the croft - by means of their sensitive, regenerative land management. None of which is at the expense of their outputs. Being a productive croft is important to Phil.
The croft generates large amounts of woodfuel, woodchip and other non-forestry wood products for local crafters and even smokehouses.
The highest value items from the croft are basketry willow and Phil’s tree nursery business.
Crofting at Wildlife Croft, Skye
In the future Phil plans to feature:
- biochar and charcoal production
- livestock (but not until the orchards are well-established)
- more fruit production from their young orchards
At the same time, Phil and Laura have a self-catering unit which is a huge draw - and focuses on the natural history of the croft, with lots of visitors from all walks of life asking for tours.
These centre around:
- land use and food
- fuel and fibre production
- the high biodiversity of the croft
Their aim is to:
- continue to raise the fertility and shelter of the croft
- increase options and resilience for the future
All corners of the croft are managed, but many are in 7-10 year rotations of coppice and pollard.
Open spaces are managed for the broadest range of flora and are then utilised as a hay which is used as a mulch and compost for the food producing corners of the croft.
