Game and Conservation Seed Trials designed to improve crop performance and reliability.
Bright Seeds Trial Site Review 2026
At Bright Seeds, we pride ourselves on supplying high-performing game cover crops and conservation seed mixtures. Our trial site at Bright Seeds HQ is central to this commitment, allowing us to test, refine and improve seed mixtures ahead of each season.
Each year, all existing products are grown at our Dean Lane Farm trial site, alongside new and developing game cover and stewardship seed options. This enables us to assess performance in real field conditions and replace older varieties with improved alternatives. Through close partnerships with exclusive European plant breeders, we stay ahead of emerging seed developments.
Bright Seeds Trial Site 2026
Why the Bright Seeds Trial Site Matters
Independent seed trials supporting consistent game crop establishment.
During 2025, a wide range of game and conservation seed mixtures were reviewed. New mixtures were trialled while established mixtures were adjusted to ensure continued compliance with environmental and stewardship schemes.
Kale-Based Game Cover Mixtures
Optimising kale inclusion rates for stronger, longer-lasting game cover.
Kale plots were a major focus, with many kale-based game cover mixtures left for a second year. This allowed us to fine-tune kale inclusion rates and assess longevity and structure. All mixtures performed exceptionally well, with Grass Buster, Pheasant & Finch and Grey Partridge delivering strong, reliable results.
Later Drilling Dates and Crop Performance
Flexible drilling windows for modern game and conservation farming.
Challenging weather conditions during peak drilling periods prompted a review of game cover crop drilling dates. Trial results showed many mixtures performed well when drilled later than traditionally expected, offering increased flexibility for growers.
Wildflower and Conservation Seed Trials
Bright Seeds Wildflower Site
Visual assessment of wildflower meadow mixtures in real field conditions.
Small plots of harvested wildflower meadow seed mixtures were established to provide a clear visual guide to in-field performance. These plots brought colour and biodiversity to the trial site and offered valuable insight for those planning conservation and stewardship planting.
New Game and Conservation Seed Mixtures for 2026
Refined seed mixtures developed from trial site results.
Building on insights from the trial site, we have continued to refine both new and improved seed mixtures. For 2026, we are pleased to introduce the following additions to the Bright Seeds portfolio:
10KG | Packed 0.5ha | £89.00
CAHL2 | AHL2 | AB9 Enhanced Grass Buster
After extensive trials on our own site and with customers across the UK, Enhanced Grass Buster is now part of our portfolio. The first-year mix combines sunflowers, quinoa, and buckwheat for colour, high-protein grain, and rapid establishment. This early growth acts as a nurse crop, protecting brassicas from pests while supporting autumn and winter wildlife.
In the second year, kale continues to provide leafy cover, while chicory and fennel grow tall and produce abundant seed, delivering extended habitat for farmland birds. The mix remains compatible with selective herbicides, making it a practical, two-year solution for growers seeking biodiversity, wildlife benefits, and compliance with SFI and Countryside Stewardship schemes.
7KG | Packed 0.5ha | £77.00
CAHL2 | AHL2 | AB9 Royal MK 4
After a year of trials, we’ve refined the Royal Mark 4 mix to make it even more versatile for our customers. The mix now qualifies as a wild-bird seed mixture under both Stewardship and SFI schemes, giving added value and compliance.
To strengthen second-year habitat, we’ve introduced fennel, while the annual elements have been boosted with the addition of stubble turnips and mustard. In the first year, the mix delivers a leafy, winter-hardy cover, with chicory and fennel establishing beneath. These then push on in year two to create a dense, high-quality habitat and cover crop.
These updates reinforce our commitment to supplying high-quality game cover, conservation and stewardship seed mixtures – ensuring our customers continue to receive seed mixtures they can rely on.
As we look ahead to 2026, our trial site continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Bright Seeds. By combining real-world testing, strong breeder partnerships and a commitment to continual improvement, we ensure our game cover and conservation seed mixtures deliver reliable performance in the field. These trials allow us to refine existing products and introduce new options with confidence, giving our customers seed mixtures they can trust season after season.
If you’d like to have a chat with one of our advisers or request a 2026 brochure, get in touch with the Bright Seeds team at sales@brightseeds.co.uk or give us a call on 01722 744494.