Fertilisation plan

Our approach to on farm fertility is the management of the dynamic between organic matter, minerals, and biology.  We try to create a balanced system based on homemade foliar sprays.

The production of biofertilisers, the reproduction of different types of microorganisms, amendments and different mineral brews are done on the farm with free or very low cost resources. 

We are conducting tests in the orchard and garden to try to measure the effectiveness of this approach. Juanfran Lopez,s detailed results from his Shallot trails are in this PDF. During 2016 we took baseline data of soil minerals, and have measured our trial and control areas regularly over the last 12 months.  This work is ongoing.  However, a soil test does not necessarily indicate that soil minerals are being taken up by the plant or tree. We therefore plan to take leaf tests throughout 2017 in the orchards to monitor mineral deficiencies within the trees in order to correct them if necessary. Please read the PDFs about our orchard management in the side bar for a detailed explanation.

Although the Orchard fertilisation plan looks complex, it is possible to start with a simple general spray plan of one or two preparations, and then develop particular products on farm to suit your needs. 

Our fertilisation plan gives an idea of how you can build up specific minerals using biological sprays. This means that we avoid the use of herbicides. We also avoid the use of copper based fungicides that are used in the management of organic top fruit.

            

  • Light: a Yoga & Massage Retreat in Nature

    A weekend of earthy delights 8-10th March 2019 at Ragmans Lane Farm

    Greeting the day with awakening vinyasa and breathwork, sharing seasonal feasts in the open kitchen, a muddy stomp along the river Wye, a grounding massage rooted in the traditions of Ayurveda and holistic bodywork, warming the bones around the hearth, illuminating yoga practice and meditation. Time for you - a weekend to prod you from the chrysalis of winter, in really good company.

    Morning & dusk yoga practices will be led by Elena; nourishing & playful sessions for all bodies/abilities to enjoy including breath work and guided meditation.

    Much coloured by her work with chakra philosophy, creative movement & mantra.

    In your picked moment you'll receive a 30 minute specialised massage treatment with Steve, helping you to unwind, relax, optimise for yoga. We'll share 3 delicious vegan/vegetarian meals each day in the sun streamed Ragman's kitchen - organic and locally sourced where possible - and stacked high with treats to fuel you for the day's adventures.

    You'll have free time for relaxation and quiet contemplation should you wish -in a variety of quiet nooks to be found around the farm's grounds and orchards. An invigorating group walk on Saturday morning will allow you to explore the wild abundance around, and there'll always be a fire burning - either inside in the living room or outside in the fire pit (or both!). The space is yours to hold as you wish, exploring it as fully as you'd like to.

    Steve Taylor:

    Before teacher training in Ayurvedic Yoga Massage (AYM) in India, I trained in clinical sports massage with a Diploma from LSSM with Mel Cash; the creator of Sports Massage. My AYM teacher, James Winstanley, is a pioneer of the practice, and student of its creator, Master Kusum Modak, who built the discipline based on work with BKS Iyengar. Over the last 5 years I’ve been in Bristol, working with a varied range of sports and holistic clients, working in unison with chiropractors and in other modalities. As well as massage, I love running, philosophy, festivals, reading, cooking, conversation, Victorian stuff, ghost stories, carpentry, and films.

    Elena Byers:

    Much of my life has been spent working with the creative body. Studies in Hatha Yoga with Gaurav Malik & Kate Osman, Forrest Yoga with Guardian Jambo Truong and Vinyasa with Suzanne Lahusen. My practice taking me across the world to teach residencies in Indonesia to running workshops in London & Bulgaria. Diverse years studying movement, performance, singing and visual arts furthering my fascination with the body’s ability to creatively express. As a teacher, it inspires patience and playfulness in my classes and deep understanding of the human body. Yoga for me is the coming together of creative spirit, strong body and open mind, to feel fully alive.

    For more information or to book a space please CLICK HERE to visit the website.


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