Tools and Techniques

As far as possible we mimic natural systems and processes, whilst achieving a healthy crop. For this purpose we are developing a range of “tools” which fit the UK climate. Although listed below as different tools, they are all part of a holistic approach. They are tweaks and adjustments for individual situations.

It is important to get a base of skills and understanding of these tools so the farmer and grower has autonomy and understanding to make their own preparations, empowering the farmer and reaching a broader scale. We are not selling products off the shelf, we are happier to run courses to explain the principles. 

For instance biofertiliser, an anaerobic ferment is good for chelating minerals so they are more available to plants. However aerobic tea, made by bubbling air through microbes in solution, is great for building more biology into the system. Native microbes can be propagated aerobically like this, or through the Native Microbe preparation outlined below. Lastly, we can measure the integration of these techniques and their effect on soil structure using Chromatography. 

  • Introduction to Permaculture

    6-7th May 2017 

    This weekend course offers a chance to get to grips with the core principles of permaculture, its origins and its applications. Permaculture has developed into something that can be applied to every aspect of our lives from self-development to agriculture….so what’s it all about?

    It is a set of design principles, inspired by natural self-sustaining systems and based upon the ethics of caring for people, planet and our combined future. In our introduction you’ll learn about these principles and how they are relevant to your own situation, and how to apply them to your daily life. The course will include the following subjects:

    Earthcare: Permaculture Principles, Linking – creating systems

    Peoplecare: Communication, Communities

    Fairshares: Ethics, Resources

    Methods: Observation – land and people, Design methods

    Gardening: Composting, mulching, polycultures, perennials

    Caroline has been teaching permaculture at Ragmans Lane Farm and other centres around the country for several years and originally trained and worked with Patrick Whitefield. Caroline has a background in market gardening, horticulture, smallholding and design and teaches with clarity and experience.

    Matt is the owner of Ragmans Lane Farm and a permaculture pioneer in the UK. He has gained experience in many fields over the years and is now focussed on developing holistic management practices with his ‘beyond organic’ juice orchards. He has been teaching permaculture for many years and teaches with engaging knowledge and enthusiasm.

    For further information or to book a space please click here



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