"Ragmans Farm matters.  Hugely.  It has developed over the years into a unique resource, a unique teaching venue, and a unique 'living classroom' for those who want to learn about permaculture and sustainable land use. 

In these times of climate change, resource depletion and economic downturn, Ragmans offers a model for a different approach for rural communities, one based on diversity, entrepreneurship, reskilling and a reconnection to land. 

Over the past 15 years, Ragmans has led by example, working hard, trying new things and experimenting.  Not everything has worked, but this is the vital niche that the pioneer fills, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.  The future will have much to learn from Ragmans, and much to thank it for". 

Rob Hopkins - Founder of the Transition Movement 

  • Treatment Free Beekeeping in Horizontal Hives

    11 & 12th November at Ragmans Lane Farm

    The Course will take a natural approach to beekeeping including:
    • How bees live in nature and how to respect their ways in your apiary.
    • Natural and less intensive management.
    • Start or increase an apiary by attracting swarms of local bees.
    • Horizontal hives and their advantages.
    • Wax foundation v foundationless natural comb.
    • Colony management - what to do and what not to do.
    • One-box hive, no feeding, no queen excluders, no requeening.
    • Healthy strong colonies without any treatments.

    Dr Leo Sharashkin is editor of Keeping Bees With a Smile: A Vision and Practice of Natural Apiculture, a comprehensive resource on keeping bees naturally in horizontal hives. He is contributor to American Bee Journal, The Beekeepers Quarterly, and Acres USA, and speaks internationally on sustainable beekeeping, organic growing, and Earth-friendly living. He holds a PhD in Forestry from the University of Missouri and a Master’s in Natural Resources from Indiana University, USA.

    For more information or to book a space please click here



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