To protect their crops and keep criminals off their land, an increasing number of farmers are bolstering modern security measures with medieval methods seen centuries ago, according to the 2018 NFU Mutual rural crime report.

NFU Mutual insures three-quarters of farmers in the UK.

Medieval measures being adopted include:

1 Earth banks and ditches

Last used to protect medieval manors, earth works are being installed along field boundaries to stop criminals driving 4x4s on to farmland.

2 Single entry points

Just like Norman castles, having only one way in and out deters thieves who like a range of exits.

3 Reinforced gates

To protect the entrances to farmyards from ram raids.

4 Barricaded strong rooms

In the same way medieval homesteaders built special rooms to store gold and silver, modern farmers are using them to protect expensive tools and chemicals.

5 High yard fences

To stop intruders climbing over, just like historic stockades.

6 Protective animals

Animals such as geese and dogs still provide a useful low-tech alarm system, just as they did hundreds of years ago.