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The importance of 'back garden farming'
We are hearing more and more how important it is to consider our planet and act responsibly, and this has been highlighted by the recent 'State of Nature Report' with worrying facts about how nature is faring, with over 40 per cent of the UK’s wildlife species having declined since 1970.
We may not all agree, wish to, or be able to take part in the civil disobedience protests that are currently being held, but there are so many simple things we can do to help, including using our gardens as productively and naturally as possible; if we all kept a few hens for eggs and planted a few wild flowers it would make a world of difference to reduce mass food production, chemical use and provide habitats for our insects. So please help us to spread the word about how important and enjoyable 'back garden farming' is by sharing your pictures and experiences on our facebook page.
With the recent wet weather, it is a great time to plan any improvements and changes to your garden, and we are of course always happy to help where we can, giving advise on chicken pens and apiary plans, and there is also so much advice around for creating a wildlife friendly garden, such as this simple list on the soil association site: Bee friendly flowers and herbs. Traditional crafts and skills also play an important part in reducing the plastic and 'throw-away' items that have become so readily available, and we are working with local craftspeople to offer new courses for 2020 from handmade cosmetics to cider making and traditional willow egg baskets.... so watch this space for more details.
The wet weather also means it's time to top up the woodchip in your chicken pen and footpaths. Our woodchips are from a local sustainable source, kiln dried to ensure they last as long as possible and they don't include bark chips which soak up the wet like a sponge causing the pen to remain damp.
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