Harvesting the Sun - an important video from Ragmans Farm 

 

 

The first video in English of Jairo Restrepo, a world expert in Biofertilisers and soil regeneration, filmed at Ragmans Lane Farm. 

Jairo talks about the wonders of cow manure, soil microbes, trace elements, and their link with increased soil, plant and human health. 

He describes industrial agriculture as a 'dishonest agriculture' robbing us of our health and proposes an alternative productive approach harnessing the power of biological mineral ferments which will allow all of us to grow cheap organic food through enhanced photosynthesis -  by Harvesting the Sun.

We made this video because we believe that the work of Jairo Restrepo, long recognised in South America, is relatively unknown in the UK.  There is plenty of material on the internet of him teaching in Spanish, but very little in other languages, so we filmed an interview with him last summer and have edited it down for release. 

He is a leading teacher and practitioner in the application of technologies such as bokashi, biofertilser, native microbe ferments and the use of trace elements for soil bioremediation. These enable farmers at any scale to produce the fertility they need within their own farms and gardens. He teaches at Ragmans once a year in the summer, leading students through the science of his techniques, and also making about 15 different preparations.

His book The ABC of Organic Agriculture is a classic and has recently been translated into English, and is available through the website.

We believe that mineral and biological ferments could have a enormous impact in revitalising our soils and consequently our health. Juanfran Lopez researched the use of these products at Ragmans.  Further information about this work can be found here in the section describing our approach to Organic Agriculture. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Embers - an Autumn Yoga and Massage Retreat

    25-27TH October 2019

    We're thrilled to invite you to our next retreat offering, EMBERS, in the enchanting Ragmans Lane Farm that played home to our heart - full retreat LIGHT earlier this year.

    Join us for a weekend of creativity, joy & reflection after the long dance of summer, as we embrace Autumn and prepare for the darker months.

    The days will move between creative yoga practices, time exploring nature, ceremony, epic feasts, restorative massage & fire circles. A little bit of surrendering to the flow of the day too.

    We'll explore awakening vinyasa and deep meditation to re-connect us with our true essence, wild spirit and sense of purpose. Much coloured by Elena's work with chakra philosophy, creative movement & mantra.

    You'll receive a 30 minute tailored massage treatment with Steve, rooted in the traditions of Ayurveda and holistic bodywork, helping you to unwind, restore muscle tone & re-balance your nervous system.

    We'll share 3 delicious vegetarian meals each day in the beautiful open Ragman's kitchen - organic and locally sourced where possible - and stacked high with treats to fuel you for the day's activities. We are advocates of eating big.

    An invigorating muddy hike following the path of the river Wye will allow you to explore the wild abundance around, and there'll always be a fire burning - either inside in the living room or outside in the fire pit (or both!). Wild swim anyone?

    There'll be a Saturday afternoon optional workshop exploring either: Inversions, Local Herbalism//Crafts, The Chakra System, Mantras.

    Come as you are.

    Home for this weekend is the magical Ragmans Farm. Hidden deep in the heart of the Forest of Dean in the Wye Valley, Ragmans is a 60 acre organic farm where permaculture and organic farming practices are the guiding principles to regenerate the land. Ragmans sits in an area of outstanding beauty, a stones throw from the river Wye which we'll wind down to during our Saturday hike.

    Date & times: Friday 25th Oct - Sunday 27th October 2019 / 4pm - 4pm

    Accommodation & prices (non mixed dormitory accommodation & camping)
    EARLY BIRD OFFER (book before Aug 1st)
    Beamed dormitory x 6: £340 (£299 early bird)
    Bunk dormitory x 4: £340 (£299 early bird)
    Mezzanine floor dormitory: x3: £320 (£279 early bird)
    Own tent/campervan: £280 (£239 early bird)

    To reserve your place:

    Elena: 07835 813910 / elenabyers@hotmail.co.uk

    Steve: 07598 278130 / aym.steve@gmail.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/268770140610085/?ti=icl

    Please don't let money be an obstacle, if you feel called to join us but money stands in the way drop us a line and we'll work out payment options where needed.


  •