A DAIRY which switched to organic production a decade ago and followed it by adding wetland and meadow areas has seen wildlife return to levels not witnessed in 50 years.

Many bird, flower and other wildlife species have returned to a farm in Archdeacon Newton, near Darlington, owned by Acorn Dairy.

The farm includes wetland areas, hedgerows, meadowland and deciduous woodland, which have become a haven for wildlife, attracting insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, chasers, butterflies, an array of flora, aquatic life and countless birds.

A recent RSPB survey discovered 65 species in 200 acres, including species on the threatened list such as linnet, dunnock, greater spotted woodpecker, chiffchaff, curlew and cuckoo. There are also tawny owls, little owls skylarks, sparrow hawks and snipe.

Frogs, newts and other aquatic life inhabit large ponds bounded by becks. The dairy hopes to attract interest from wildlife groups and universities keen to conduct an aquatic survey of the area.

Plans are now also being developed for wetlands beside the River Ure, in Spennithorne, North Yorkshire, at the dairy's other site.

Owner Gordon Tweddle said: "It is something we are very proud of.We are seeing a return to the levels of wildlife that were around in the Fifties, that I remember growing up with as a boy."

The original countryside stewardship scheme was replaced by the higher-level scheme on July 1, operated through Natural England, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the RSPB, which have appointed advisors to help develop the initiative. Thick mixed hedges become thoroughfares for all manner of wildlife and the old railway line is also being given back to nature.

Acorn Dairy director Caroline Tweddle said: "Everyone is delighted with what we are finding down there which seems to be the perfect habitat for a thriving eco-system.

"It's an incredibly diverse area with peat, gravel, sand and clay offering a varied mix for a rich array of flora and fauna."

Mr Tweddle added: "Even though the winter was hard, we found a honeycomb of vole runs under the frosted snowcap which helped the owls survive. It is a major commitment for us but one which fits perfectly with the overall organic ethos of our dairy farm.

"Our customers love it too.

One, in fact, donated some oak trees, one of which had been grown from an acorn by his son."