Broadclyst Community Farm

Environment Group - Vision Statement

In 5 years time we would like to be regarded as an example of excellence for sustainable farming, local food production and engaging people in protecting and enhancing the environment.

Year 1

Crucial to assess what we have, what we want, how we want to achieve our goals. SWOT analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats keeping detailed records as we go along.

• Source manures – farmyard, chicken, mushroom etc.

• Crops in the first year could include potatoes (employing the current farmers for large areas), and catch crops, beans and salads so it is productive without draining nutrients. Examine use of Heritage crops and local seed etc. Develop a four year rotation plan for the fields.

• Negotiate with the Soil Association for help and advice (there is a two year conversion to organic production) but progress without registration to avoid costs, restrictions and admin etc. Work to organic principles and ensure any livestock is kept to High Welfare Standards.

• Establish smaller plots by replanting hedges according to old field boundaries as on the old maps. (4-5 acres)

This will be an ongoing project, demanding of skill and time but can possibly attract funding and harness enthusiasm by holding training sessions with local people who have the necessary skills for hedge planting/laying. We could consider planting species for coppicing later – hazel and willow for example. As a temporary measure fencing will need to be used to safeguard animals etc. and keep out pests such as rabbits.

• Develop a plan for weed control and pest control natural where possible.

• Establish a scheme for collecting and storing water (investing in concrete storage containers?)

• Make links with local community for practical work (esp. schools etc) and by exhibiting at local fairs, maybe for a tool collection.

• Plan an orchard/fruit bush area, possibly with vines. Order fruit trees Dec.

• Surveying the land for wildlife, flowers etc. Provide a suitable area for a wildflower meadow? It may be that we employ expert help in this.

• Begin to form links with wild life groups and charities, RSPB, Barn owl trust, Bat Conservation, hedgehog Trust, devon wildlife, Bumblebee trust etc. Also join HDRA and ask advice of the Soil Association, DEFRA and other Devon groups who have started similar projects. Consider sources of organic seed, heritage varieties etc.

• Composting - link with other groups e.g. Lympstone who have a Community Composting project.

• Begin to document display information (one of the existing buildings?) and engage community groups to hold skills workshops etc.

• Some investment in tools and equipment.
  

• Look at stewardship grants

• Build a composting toilet

Year 2 Work to begin in earnest!

• Establish an area for seedlings (protected etc) maybe in existing buildings

• Provision of Nesting Boxes/natural habitats for wildlife. Make suitable nesting boxes etc. (Barn owl trust will provide some)

• Check for pests and diseases

• Plant hazel, willows etc for coppicing and continue hedgerow planting, considering the field boundaries.

• Begin to plant orchards – top fruit trees are the most likely to obtain grants

• Survey the flora and fauna for improvements. Make a walk for young people, maybe from local schools. Involving local community more ‘hands on knowledge’.

• Composting. A preliminary heap should be productive by now and a collection scheme could be started in the village.

• Continue with earlier projects: soil testing, exhibitions green manure for winter etc.

Year 3 by now we should be beginning to get established and we can begin to look at progressing our environmental goals.

• Renewable energy: We can investigate latest developments in e.g. wind turbines, solar power etc.

• Annual survey of flora and fauna. Farm walk for local people to identify species etc. and promote community engagement.

• Continue to provide nesting boxes etc

• Protection, pruning etc. of fruit trees

• Hedge planting and beginning hedge laying. Plant hedge trees

• Consider a small polytunnel for seedlings, Mediterranean crops etc.
  

Year 4 Continue with ongoing projects.

• Assess the crop rotation scheme.

• Retest soil

• Review how we are using the land Plant hedge trees and woodland?

• Develop the use and sale of produce

• Look to developing renewable energy sources

• Can we improve water collection? Create more ponds?

Year 5 Swot analysis.

Hopefully we can congratulate ourselves on all the hard work being fruitful. We should have established healthy links with the immediate neighbours and the wider community. We should be selling produce locally and be self financing. The land should be much improved.

The above statement represents the ideas this subgroup have, each proposal will be costed and subject to a feasibility study before being given approval.