This is part of a series of specialist soil workshops that will introduce farmers and landowners to the basics of soil microbiology, and the practical steps that you can take to improve soil health. The workshop will include an on-farm walk, live soil sample analysis, and discussions on the science behind soil health.
Soil Workshop: Led by Symbiosis Soil Lab, an innovative mobile laboratory, this workshop will introduce you to soil microbiology and the benefits of soil biodiversity. Symbiosis Soil Lab operates the only known Soil Microbiology Food Web Mobile Lab and they specialise in regenerating life into soils.
Will Luke from the Apricot Centre CIC, will be leading a session on the basics of soil microbiology: explaining how microbes evolve and their relationships to each other, and the help we can give them by creating an environment where they can thrive. Will has been dairy farming for 30 years both as a tenant and landowner. Trained in agriculture, qualified in regenerative land management at the Apricot Centre, successfully implementing sustainable practices across the farm for the last decade improving resilience and biodiversity whilst importantly maintaining output and profit.
This workshop is hosted in collaboration with the Apricot Centre CIC, a 67-acre mixed farm in South Devon providing both biodynamic/organic food to 300 households through box scheme and regular market stall. Their aim is to inspire by providing opportunities for free training and business support for land workers and farms with a yearly student cohort of 180+ students.
Farm Walk: Carolyn Richards will show us around Ashridge Court Farm, where Carolyn farms Belted Galloway and Red Devon cattle and is passionate about restoring habitats like Culm Grassland and adjoining wet woodland which are home to rare species such as willow tits and redstarts. The farm is participating in a silvopasture trial, a farmer-led project with six other farms looking to evidence the benefits of silvopasture. Carolyn is currently working with the Agri Innovation Programme advisors to explore future opportunities. This event will include presentations for farmers around Soil Health and a farm walk showcasing the farm’s conservation work.
Timings
10:00-10:30 – Arrival and Registration (teas, coffees and biscuits)
10:30-10:45 – Introduction to Ashridge Court Farm by Carolyn
10:45-11:15 – Introduction to Soil Microbes by Will Luke from the Apricot Centre
11:15-11:45 – Talk by Jake from the Symbiosis Soil Lab
11:45-13:00 – Farm Walk & Live Soil Analysis
13:00- 14:00 – Lunch
14:00-15:00 – Farm Walk & Live Soil Analysis continued
15:00-15:30 – Q&A and Event End
1:1 Soil Consultancy with Symbiosis Soil Lab
Attendees will have the opportunity to apply for a fully funded 1:1 consultancy with Symbiosis Soil Lab following the completion of an Expression of Interest Form which will be provided at the workshop and an electric copy emailed following attendance.
Eligibility
This workshop is available to any farmer or land manager in Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall, or the Isles of Scilly currently in receipt of BPS payments.
To be eligible to participate in the Future Farming Resilience project and receive subsequent 1:1 support or attend further workshops, you will be required to complete a Monitoring Information form. Forms will be provided by your advisor, at a workshop, or emailed to you after an online workshop. Please ensure forms are completed swiftly. Please be aware that BIP may limit further access to specialist workshops or 1:1 advice, if the form is not completed.
If you have any questions please call us on 01837 659 059 or email team@businessinfopoint.co.uk. Please check our privacy policy and Devon County Council’s privacy policy to see how we store and manage your submitted data.
Website: https://www.apricotcentre.co.uk/