Farm Videos

James Long in Conversation with Matt Dunwell


This is an hour long interview with Matt Dunwell recorded in June 2020 as part of the Pacific Change series of interviews started at the beginning of 'lockdown'.   Pacific Change run by James Long, an ex BBC correspondent, looks for people who are involved in positive change engaging them in a relaxed conversation that has time and space to explore ideas in depth. Here, Matt Dunwell talks about the journey that led him to Ragmans Lane, the Global Alliance and down deep into the microbial underworld. 

 

Permaculture on the Farm

This video was filmed in May 2019 by Maddy Harland, editor of Permaculture Magazine and her partner Tim Harland.

They interview Matt about the development of the farm over the years, broad-scale permaculture and explore the landscape.

Sit back and enjoy!

 

This is a nice short video filmed by Hannah Steenbergen from the Sustainable Food Trust that captures a bit of Ragmans.  Filmed in the summer of 2016, it is a brief tour of the farm with commentry from Matt Dunwell.  Some of the activities have changed since then - we have stopped selling mushroom logs and are making less apple juice in order to focus on our teaching programme.  Two local farmers, James and Will lived in the farmhouse and mob grazed their sheep on the farm for 2 years (2017-2019).

Ragmans is always changing, but we still think the video gives a flavour of what we are about.

 

 

 

  • Training in the Use & Maintenance of the Austrian Scythe

    17th August 2018 at Ragmans Lane Farm

    10.30am-5.00pm

    This one day course is designed to introduce the attendee to using and looking after an Austrian scythe. The course is suitable for a range of experience levels, from complete beginners to those who have been using a scythe but feel that it could be working better for them.

    The structure of the day will be as follows:

    • Introduction and familiarisation
    • Setting up an Austrian scythe
    • Movement and technique
    • Mowing practice
    • Sharpening in the field
    • Maintenance and peening the blade

    The scythe is a highly efficient tool and is regarded as the appropriate technology for a wide variety of situations, much wider than many would think, from meadows and reedbeds to allotments and lawns, in professional and amateur contexts. In addition to its efficiency, versatility, outstanding green credentials and the health benefits for both body and mind, the scythe is an extremely cost effective tool. Once set up with basic kit no further outlay is required, and maintenance is simple and enjoyable.

    The cost of the training is £60 per person. Most trainees prefer to purchase an Austrian scythe in advance to set up and learn on during the course. However, I have a limited number of training scythes which can be borrowed, but this must be by prior arrangement, and an additional hire cost of £20 will apply.

    I train because I'm passionate about everyone getting a good initial experience with scything. I am a follower of permaculture, and work in environmental conservation. As regional co-ordinator for the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland, a voluntary role, I promote and encourage scything in my area of the UK. I have had the benefit of being trained and supported by some of the most highly regarded scythers in the UK scything community.

    Please email Nicole Clough to book a place: good_clean_mud@icloud.com


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