Tools and Techniques

As far as possible we mimic natural systems and processes, whilst achieving a healthy crop. For this purpose we are developing a range of “tools” which fit the UK climate. Although listed below as different tools, they are all part of a holistic approach. They are tweaks and adjustments for individual situations.

It is important to get a base of skills and understanding of these tools so the farmer and grower has autonomy and understanding to make their own preparations, empowering the farmer and reaching a broader scale. We are not selling products off the shelf, we are happier to run courses to explain the principles. 

For instance biofertiliser, an anaerobic ferment is good for chelating minerals so they are more available to plants. However aerobic tea, made by bubbling air through microbes in solution, is great for building more biology into the system. Native microbes can be propagated aerobically like this, or through the Native Microbe preparation outlined below. Lastly, we can measure the integration of these techniques and their effect on soil structure using Chromatography. 

  • Cider Making in One Day

    with Matt Dunwell

    2nd October 2020

    Matt has been making Apple juice and Cider for over fifteen years.

    We have planted cider and perry trees over the last 20 years at Ragmans and they are now coming into production - Tom Putt, Brandy Pears, Thorne, Yarlington Mill and Kingston Black - the king of the cider apples.

    In the morning there will be a short introduction to cider making, and we will then set out to pick fruit for an hour or so.

    After a tea break we return to the pressing room and wash the fruit prior to pressing. If we have time we will macerate the fruit before lunch, or if there is demand we can look around our orchard of 1000 apple and pear trees.

    After lunch we will split into two groups and run both the traditional cider press and the modern apple juice press in tandem. This will give everybody a chance to get a hands on experience. We will be using two mills, two different presses, pumps and bottle fillers and pasteurisers.

    At the end of the afternoon there is a chance to try some cider.

    Refreshments provided, please bring a packed lunch.

    Price £90  (including 25 litres of apple juice to turn into cider)

    Booking essential

    To download a booking form click here

    Cheques should be made payable to Ragmans Lane Farm and sent to Ragmans Lane Farm, Lower Lydbrook, Glos, GL17 9PA. For further information, please ring us on 01594 860244

     


    £90.00


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