As we approach the end of the year we are also nearing the end of the Sustainable Farming Pilot scheme, of which Pitchcott has been a participant over the past three years. A year ago I posted links to my learning journal from the first year (2022), and below are the links to the second year (2023). While it has not been a deliberate ploy to wait a year before 'publishing' my journal, it has been interesting to re-read and look back on the changes in the landscape, and my learning from it.
January 2023 seems a long time ago, not least because my boys look so young when we planted this oak tree. They are growing up fast, and so too is the tree, which was kindly donated by Chiltern Rangers, who also helped earlier this year when we started planting a hedgerow as a windbreak for the new kitchen garden area. This work will continue in 2025 and and I've recently completed an agroforestry design for rows of fruit trees (predominantly apple) in Big Meadow. The aim will be to grow a crop that will generate products (juices, ciders and pies) that can be sold in the farm cafe. The trees will be spaced to allow enough room for the summer hay cut, and further in-field trees are also planned to provide shade for both grazing livestock and wild campers.
There's a lot to consider and weigh up between all the different forms of land use, and finding the right balance between people and nature. My learning journal from 2023 documents the continuing work with the Freshwater Habitats Trust and how this has liberated the flow of water across the landscape, creating new habitats for wildlife and birdlife. My challenge as we move into 2025 is to consider all the different options for continued nature restoration and recovery, while learning more about sustainable food production and creating kitchen gardens and food forests. As ever the local farmer clusters have been invaluable for knowledge sharing. A new group, ‘Growing the Growers’ has emerged led by David and Tracy from market garden Bucksum. The aim of the project is to encourage more farms to grow food for their local communities, as well as provide opportunities for new entrants (especially young people) into horticulture. Its been very timely as I gather ideas and knowledge for growing food for the farm cafe when it opens next year.
And on that note I'll leave you with a couple of photos from the cafe and courtyard earlier today, as well as a festive-looking one from a few weeks ago, and a reminder that you can follow the progress of the build here.
At the beginning of January I'll be at the Oxford Real Farming Conference as I continue my learning journey. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss any ideas for land-based projects. I promise I won't wait another year before publishing my learning journal from 2024.
Have a Merry Christmas and a very happy and productive new year
Tony
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