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)

  • Singing Retreat in the Wye Valley

    The Singing Retreat in the Wye Valley is a singing holiday that will run from Friday evening 24th May until Monday 27th May Bank Holiday.

    The earth will be warm so come and sing the summer in with your hearts and voices!

    Over the long weekend, we will be singing a glorious array of four part harmony songs, ranging from uplifting Gospel, shape note, folk, contemporary and world music – all beautiful songs taught by ear so that there is no need to read music.

    The singing will be led by Sheila Tang, an inspiring choir and workshop leader who has many years’ experience of facilitating great singing from even the most inexperienced singers in a fun and joyful way.

    There will also be early morning yoga before breakfast for those who fancy some bodywork and invigorating stretches, and a whole camp ceremony on the Sunday. Feel free to bring your musical instruments for jamming sessions in the evenings.

    The workshops will take place in a light and airy wooden floored hall. There is plenty of space to camp or to bring your live-in vehicle, or if you'd prefer to sleep indoors, the 'Bunkhouse' has beds in shared dormitory rooms.

    There is also a chill out space for evening gatherings. All the indoor spaces have heating and open out onto the farm land, which has orchards, a lake and beautiful views of the Wye Valley.

    Friday is setting up day, where you can arrive and enjoy the idyllic surroundings. The retreat starts with evening dinner at 7pm. Delicious, home cooked meals are provided from Friday evening until Monday lunchtime. This will be a wonderful few days of singing, jamming, celebration and community in beautiful surroundings.

    Please contact Sheila Tang if you're interested in booking a space for this singing holiday, and also if you’d like to book a dormitory bed.

    Previous camps have sold out early, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

    Prices are £185 camping, £210 bed in a shared room, inclusive of all food and refreshments from Friday eve to Monday lunchtime.

     

    ffi email sheilatang68@hotmail.com

    Or visit the website, please CLICK HERE
     

     


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