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)

  • 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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