An Introduction to Sustainable Farming and Food in the Cotswolds

During my Digital Churchill Fellowship interviews I have noticed that a number of farmers focused not only on their working farms and care farms, but also on using or introducing sustainable farming methods and I was curious to find out more.

So this week I took a break from the global zoom calls and headed out to the Cotswolds where I joined the FarmEd 'Introduction to Sustainable Farming and Food'. The course took place in light and airy eco buildings and across different areas of the 107 mixed acre Honeydale Farm. We were welcomed with homemade fruit cake, plenty of tea and coffee and wonderful views over the Evenlode Valley. 

My fellow participants came from all across the UK and a number of different employment backgrounds, including those hoping to begin farming as a second career. We learnt about regenerative farming, diverse enterprises, soil health, natural flood management, mob grazing, bees, orchards, meadows, nutrition and agroforestry as well as setting our visions, priorities and next steps. 

At lunch we enjoyed a tasty selection of seasonal British produce from their kitchen garden and producers in the local area while we chatted and reflected on the sessions and discussions. I came home refreshed, inspired, and energised, and ready to start the final research week of my Fellowship.

I'm looking forward to returning to Honeydale Farm in the near future to attend their introductory course on permaculture.