Natural Farmer UK. Agriculture professionals based on the Isle of Wight. Developing farming methods which are sustainable, good for nature and work with commercial agriculture. Research and development of low impact farming practices to maximise bio diversity alongside agriculture in the UK.
Agroforestry - In the winter of 2021 we planted our first of orchard of 500 trees on the farm. We are aiming to encourage a land management approach that combines trees and livestock farming systems. This practice delivers for the farm and for nature and will produce cider apples to crop for cider production and grazing for our sheep flock below the trees. Tree varieties include Three Counties, Somerset Redstreak, Ellis Bitter, Hastings, Golden Bittersweet, Kingston Black, Tom Putt and a selection of crab apples for pollination.
Easy Care Sheep - We have been breading sheep with similar characteristics to Easy Care but with added Texel. This has been part of a 25 year process of natural selection to encourage natural wool shedding in the summer months, easy lambing with limited intervention and top grade size confirmations. More Info
Small Batch Brewing - The Isle of Wight has a warmer climate compared to the rest of the UK and so we have been experimenting with planting new world hop varieties. These are hops traditionally grown in America, New Zealand and the southern hemisphere and have strong flavours associated with craft beer styles.
Following best practice principles for soil and the environment. Design & implementation of low-tech agricultural systems.