Learning on the land the biodynamic way
The Biodynamic Association, who are a member of Sustain, are holding a series of one day workshops throughout the autumn.
In each of the series of Learning on the Land workshops there is a focus on a different element of biodynamics: farming, vineyard management, cereals and care farming.The workshops offer an opportunity for anyone interested in regenerative food and farming approaches to come and spend a day on a biodynamic holding, meet the producer / grower, walk the land and learn about biodynamic methods and the benefits they bring to soil, plant and animal health as well as producing quality nutritious food (and wine) full of vitality.
Biodynamic Vineyard Management and Wine Production.
Bristol, Thursday 6 September
Limeburn Hill Vineyard, situated near Chew Magna just south of Bristol, was planted in 2015 and has been managed as a biodynamic vineyard from the beginning. It is situated on Westfield Farm, a 10Ha farm with bee hives, a forest garden, a woodland, wildflower meadows and a cider orchard – all of which is currently in conversion to biodynamic status. The vineyard is 1 Ha in size, with 6 varieties of vines, and makes its own biodynamic wine. It is the only biodynamic vineyard in SW England.
Programme:
10.00 Arrival – introductions to everybody; programme and aims (in the barn)
10.30 General introduction – to the farm and the vineyard (in the barn)
10.45 Farm walk – bee garden, cider orchard, forest garden [finishing at the vineyard]
11.15 Vineyard walk – introduction to biodynamic vinegrowing including the key BD principles, application of those principles to the vineyard, vineyard layout, choice of vine varieties, growing system, and a vineyard tour,
12.30 Lunch – made from produce from the forest garden where possible, with time to chat and ask questions [in the barn]
1.45 BD preparations and treatments – introduction to the BD preparations we make, our composting system, our use of herbal tisanes, the dynamiser, and the compost tea system [walking around the vineyard and farm]
3.00 BD winemaking – explanation of principles of BD winemaking, possible tasting of elderflower pet nat? [in barn or forest garden depending on weather]
3.30 Questions, discussion
4.00 Finish
Travel: No direct public transport access to farm.
Venue Address: Westfield Farm, Limeburn Hill, Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8QW
Parking on farm – will be signposted although site is dependant on weather/soil condition. Detailed instructions will be sent with booking confirmation
Cost: £45 incl home made Lunch
Biodynamic Association AGM event
Lincolnshire, Saturday 6 October
Anyone interested in the biodynamic approach is welcome to all or part of this day which includes talks, farm walks and a tour of the Seed Co-operative - The UK's only community owned seed company
Programme for the Day –
9.30: Arrival and refreshments
10.00: AGM business meeting and election of new trustees
10.45: Comfort break
11.00: Talk – Celebrating the 90th
Anniversary of the Biodynamic
Association in the UK, its History and vision for the future.
11.30: Introduction to the work of Aura Soma
12.30: Lunch
1.45: Drive to Shire Farm for Farm walk and tour
3. 15: Depart for a visit to Seed Co-operative
4.00: Talk and tour of Seed Co-operative
Conclusion and depart
Members and nonmembers are all warmly invited and welcome to attend the whole or just part of the day.Booking deadline 21st Sept 2018. Cost: Small cost for lunch and donations on the day.
Booking Essential – To book your place please contact Jessica at the BDA Office Tel 01453 759501 Email: office@biodynamic.org.uk
Published Sunday 12 August 2018
Capital Growth: We believe everyone should have the opportunity to grow food as part of a healthy, resilient food system and we are working with our network of growers in London to make this happen.
