by Shanti Smallwood, Farm Adviser, Devon Wildlife Trust
The Devon Wildlife Trust Northern Devon Natural Solutions project worked with Hatherleigh Festival to put on two great events this July.
The first was a guided walk on Hatherleigh Moor looking at how the change in management on an area over sown with species rich green-hay & seed in 2018 has resulted in a significant increase in wildflower species. Attendees enjoyed a relaxed, informative evening with good conversations, knowledge sharing and habitat appreciation!
The second event was a screening of Six inches of Soil, a documentary feature film telling the story of remarkable farmers, communities, small businesses, chefs and entrepreneurs who are leading the way to transform how our food is produced and consumed to help keep our soil healthy.
With over 140 people attending the event was a great success in bringing the community together and generating good discussions. Andy Neal, soil microbiologist at Rothamsted Research, facilitated a Q&A session after the film, and was joined by six local regenerative farmers and experts. The panel brought local insight into this type of farming happening in and around the Hatherleigh area, and how supporting the farmers will support the environment, soil and wildlife. The questions flowed and covered topics including:
- What would you call a ‘good’ grassland field, and how to identify
- How can we get this type of food to everybody
- Why are Devon hedges traditionally cut so short
- How to encourage more farmers to try regen practices
- what are the barriers to change.
- How do they deal with ‘weeds’ on their farms.
- What 2 policies would they like to see the new labour government bring in
The answers were fantastic, personal and varied and we could have very easily carried on for hours!
