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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Living Willow Residential

    Living Willow Residential Weekend 

    17 & 18th February 2018 (Sat 10am – Sun 4pm)

    Learn the art of living willow over the course of a weekend.

    We will begin with a tour of our willow beds and select, harvest and grade the willow for the weekend.

    Using the “ Universal Weave technique “ we will first make the simplest of all willow structures a “ fedge screen “. Applying what we have learnt we will then progress on to a 3 dimensional structure such as an arch or dome.

    The course is primarily hands on but we will also cover topics such as site selection, suitable willow varieties and the 4 golden rules: the key to making successful, long lived willow structures. Steve & Carine will share their experience and tips from two decades of designing and installing living willow structures.

    By the end of the weekend each participant will be able to design and make any type of living willow structure whether it be a screen, den or outdoor classroom.

    Participants will also receive handouts with instructions and diagrams to take home and be eligible for a 5% discount on any willow ordered in the month after the course.

    Accommodation is in the Farm’s Bunkhouse which is heated by a willow powered masonry stove as used throughout Scandinavia.

    Delicious home cooked vegetarian food is provided all weekend by Anna, our local chef extraordinaire. (Please let us know if you need a specialist diet)

    On Saturday evening Steve will present his famous ‘Willow in art, technology & the environment’ slideshow. Or you can just kick back with a bottle of our Ragmans Lane Cider in front of the stove with your new willow friends.

    Participants travelling long distances may arrive on Friday evening between 6pm and 10pm.

    Sheets, pillows and pillowcases are provided, but bring your own Duvet/Sleeping Bag and Towel.

    Cost £190

    For more information and to book a space please CLICK HERE



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