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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 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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