An organic Cumbrian farm and estate has noticed a significant boost in wildlife after taking a slightly different approach to its farming.

The Askerton Castle Estate near Brampton has been farming re-generatively for the past few years.

Re-generative farming is a conservation-based approach to farming, which normally focuses on restoring the land that has been degraded by agricultural processes.

"The most noticeable thing is the birds. There are so many more birds now, which is brilliant" said Clara Kellock of the Askerton Castle Estate.

"We're starting to see more hares and the deer are coming through.

"We've also got evidence of otters in the river again."

The organic farm's cattle and sheep are pasture for life - which means they are only fed on grass, or silage that was cut the year before for the the winter.

The animals are moved from field to field more often, so that the varied grasses and herbs have more time to recover.

Clara said: "You're still trying to produce a profit, but you're doing it in a way that's sustainable for the land.

"Most of the time, farmland is being trailed to fit what we need as opposed to the two working together.

"What we do find is that the animals tend to have a lower stress rate, because they're spending more time at pasture.

"It does improve the flavour of the meat.

"If the animals live a stress-free life, the meat is much more tender and flavoursome.

"We're very passionate about where we are. The place has been in the family for years and years, and we want to keep it healthy and growing.

"It started with us looking at how to keep it sustainable, but we wanted to do our bit for the planet as well.

"If we can help this area improve, then its happy days.

"In the winter its a little tricky sometimes."

Although they recognise the benefits of this for local wildlife and their meat, Clara admitted it can give their fields an unkept look.

She added: "We know that we get a lot of funny looks.

"If people drive past and they see what used to be a really nice green field being allowed to grow out with lots of herbs, we're going to get a few looks.

"But, the benefits will increase as the years go by. Hopefully other people will see that."