Over the last twelve years we have planted 1000 apple and pear trees. We have selected old traditional varieties such as Ashmead Kernel, Taynton Codlin, Annie Elizabeth, Worcester Permain, Yellow Ingestrie, Lord Lambourne, Howgate Wonder and Egremont Russet. Others are more modern varieties suitable for organic orchards such as Saturn, Cevaal and Rajka.

Big Blossom orchard blossom comfrey tree

We aim for minimum intervention from tree to table. Most commercial orchards are managed in order to produce blemish free fruit for the table.

On our own orchards we use compost, and comfrey as a foliar spray for fertility. We are also trialling the use of Biofertilisers. Without chemical sprays, the ladybird population explodes and these naturally control greenfly and other bugs that spread viral disease in the orchard. You can read more about this in an article that Matt wrote for the Permaculture Magazine in June 2017

The trees are grown in permanent pasture. This helps to build carbon levels in the soil, and aids long term fertility. Apples are picked by hand.

Watch Matt Dunwell's short talk about how we manage our Orchards here at Ragmans Lane Farm (click here)

  • Fall Back Yoga Retreat

    27 - 29th October 2017

    This weekend allows time to retreat, time to prepare for hibernation and slowing down - autumn, a time to prepare, ready for the hibernation of winter.

    The yoga will be strengthening for your core beliefs and trusting in what you need, while also nurturing that down time and desire to fall back in winter. With delicious vegetarian meals and massage (at a small extra cost) as always this time for you should come easy - with the added extra perks of afternoon tea and a hot tub! The wonderful food, yoga and therapy is all finished off nicely with sound therapy, as lucy brings her amazing singing bowls to nurture the body even further after a days yoga.

    Sophie has taught for over 7 years, combined with her massage work she brings a strong anatomical element to her class. She teaches Hatha yoga, with some flowing elements, allowing time for release and strength and a new love for yoga nidra helps that relaxation flow easily.

    For more information and to book a space click here


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