14,000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED FREE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHWEST Sept/Oct 2019 | Issue 80

Soil association – organic eggs A farmer’s view – a change in the weather NFU – keep the combines rolling Allotments – growing your own in the country Vet – Piggy particulars Smallholding – a harrowing tale Gardening – the last chance for Mr Hedgehog Kitchen garden – sowing for winter & spring harvests

Image: © Colin Varndell, DMG researcher and wildlife photographer soil association | rural issues | nfu | the national allotment society | smallholding | a farmer’s view | food & drink HELPING YOU GROW

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21291 Landsman Magazine September Ad 205x274mm.indd 1 21/08/2019 14:26 Welcome! inside this issue The conversation on climate change News 4-5 continues with farming taking a bashing Soil Association 6-7 again, yet the agricultural industry Organic eggs – what’s the difference? continuously adapts its practices to mitigate its impact on the planet. A farmer’s view 8 Most of those working our land do so because they love our The influence of changing weather patterns natural world and accept the responsibility of custodians of our land. They protect large swathes of our countryside for NFU 11 millions of us to enjoy, they put food on our tables, they set Keep the combines rolling some extremely high standards in animal welfare - which The National Allotment Society 13 other countries would do well to follow – they work longs A rural plot under a huge sky hours, often in challenging weather, within a politically and economically unstable system. Whilst the majority of Rural issues 14-15 farmers acknowledge we need to embrace diversity, the Clear as mud 14 hostility from some extreme factions wanting us pedants Another one bites the dust 15 to become a nation of herbivores makes our farming community the recipients of an unreasonably unfair amount Veterinary practice 16 of bad press. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you – our Piggy particulars farmers must often feel their jobs are a thankless task. Making a country living 18-19 Education has a large role to play in showing the Knocking on the door of Backdoor Shoes general public the really positive work that goes on in our countryside. Initiatives such as Open Farm Sunday, which Helpful Holidays 21 happens every June, every year, exists to bring people on to Ensure your holiday let is ready for off-peak season farm so they can learn about farm life - over 250,000 people visited a farm this year on Open Farm Sunday. FarmLink is Smallholding 22-24 a ‘Classroom in the Countryside’ – an opportunity for school Starting with pigs 22-23 children to step outside, on to a working farm, in a ‘hands- A harrowing tale - managing your land 24 on’ approach to learning about farming life and where food comes from. 40,000 children enjoy the experience each year. Devon Rural Skills Trust 25 On an industry level, The Farming Forum recently launched Cleft gates its own public facing campaign #TheSolution in support of Dorset Mammal Group 26 its members, and an attempt to debunk some myths about Gardens – the last chance for hedgehogs HELPING farming practices. The campaign evidences facts - what our farming industry does to protect our environment. The Stags 27 campaign is going out across social media and is gaining Large scale solar panel sites traction and thelandsman team is working with TFF to extend its reach. A set of graphics is available – you can share them Gardening 28-29 YOU GROW across social media. Email us at [email protected] if Planning your orchard 28 you want to help share some facts around farming or learn Ensuring trees last their lifetime 29 more about the campaign. Kitchen Garden 30 Once again, this issue contains plenty of interesting September and October sowing for winter and spring harvests articles for the farmer, the hobby farmer and for lovers of our beautiful land. We hope you enjoy the read. Rebecca Hacker & thelandsman team twitter.com/landsmanlife

PUBLISHED BY: Soap Communications Ltd | The Old Brewery | 7-11 Lodway | Pill | Bristol | North Somerset | BS20 0DH MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR LAND [email protected] | T. 01275 400778 | www.thelandsman.co.uk If you have at least half an acre of unused land, our team of experts can help you set up a site without Editorial: Rebecca Hacker | Art Editor: Laurie Edwards | Production: Rachael Ellway the need for planning permission. With over 50 years’ experience, our friendly team will support you Advertising: Sandra Hardie | [email protected] | T. 01460 55105 every step of the way and your campsite will be advertised to over 727,000 of our members! Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of dates, event information and advertisements. thelandsman accepts no responsibility for events that might be cancelled and can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information or claims made by advertisers included in this magazine. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of thelandsman. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission strictly prohibited. setupasite.co.uk | 024 7798 9491 © Copyright 2018. Soap Communications Ltd 3

21291 Landsman Magazine September Ad 205x274mm.indd 1 21/08/2019 14:26 news

Dorset Wildlife Trust offers 25% off Life Membership to News in brief celebrate biggest ever campaign. To celebrate Dorset Wildlife Trust’s biggest ever campaign, Get Dorset Buzzing, the The Roman Baths, Stonehenge and Glastonbury Festival wildlife charity is offering 25% off life membership prices named among the UK’s top experiences by Lonely Planet. until the end of October. Please visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust. Sights named among the very best in new ultimate UK org.uk/shop. If you are a current member, please contact travel hitlist ranking the 500 unmissable experiences and the DWT membership team on 01305 264620 or email hidden gems across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and [email protected] the Channel Islands. In total, 58 sights and experiences in Southwest England feature in the list, from wild swimming L&B Timber Buildings and Construction Ltd is now trading under Durdle Door at 29, spying rare red squirrels on as Lodges & Barns. The company continuously devotes itself Brownsea Island at 105, taking a trip to Burgh Island on to building bespoke and sustainable timber buildings and a unique sea tractor at 125 and seeing world-class art products to customer’s satisfaction. Visit the website in St Ives at 149. www.landbtimberbuildings.co.uk for more information. Foodie fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is asking people to get creative in the kitchen and take part in a month of foodie fundraising this October. The charity is urging supporters to host a Cook Eat Give event for friends and family and ask guests to make a donation in return. The new fundraising initiative will help CHSW support more than 500 children with life-limiting conditions and their families at its three children’s hospices across the South West, including at Little Bridge House in Fremington, North Devon. Emma Perry, fundraising manager at Little Bridge House, “We hope people will join us this October but if that date isn’t said: “Cook Eat Give is a really easy way for people to get suitable, people can host a Cook Eat Give anytime. Every meal, involved in fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West. however large or small, will make a big difference.” Everyone loves a foodie get together – whether it’s a barbeque, pizza night or themed dinner party, the choice is yours and you To find out more visit www.chsw.org.uk/cook or call Little can enjoy your food with the knowledge that you are helping us Bridge House on 01271 325 270 to speak to a member to support local children and families. of the fundraising team. Bowhayes Trees Nursery – Now open in Venn Ottery Online plant nursery Bowhayes Trees has recently opened up fruit trees as well as container hedging plants and planting a retail area on its site near Ottery St Mary, Devon. Located at accessories. Bare root hedging plants and screening trees Bowhayes Farm, in Venn Ottery (EX11 1RY), the retail nursery will be available from November. is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm and on Saturday mornings from 9.30-12.30pm. For more information, call 01404 812229 The Nursery offers a lovely selection of ornamental and or visit the website www.bowhayestrees.co.uk

4 Pasture for life A new film highlighting the benefits of buying and eating 100% grass-fed meat and dairy was launched at BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace. The film was commissioned by The Pasture-Fed Livestock Association, which champions and supports farmers who never feed any grain to their animals. It was funded by the Patagonia Trust and Roddick Foundation. The short video offers a ‘Day in the Life’ of certified ‘Pasture for Life’ farming family Jonty and farmers choosing to farm this way,” said the Pasture-Fed Mel Brunyee of Conygree Farm, based on the National Trust’s Livestock Association’s Russ Carrington at the launch today. Sherborne Estate near Northleach in the Cotswolds. “We want to let people know how and why 100% grass- Starting at sunrise, beautiful shots of the farm reveal all fed animals produce such great food - with more good fats, the good things feeding animals just on pasture brings, such a healthier balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and as rich wildflower meadows, healthy soil, abundant wildlife, more vitamins and minerals, as well as having a unique happy and relaxed cattle - which all go to producing the ‘best flavour and taste reflecting the landscape where they lived. meat and milk you can buy.’ The film travels to a butcher’s “Then we want them to ask for certified ‘Pasture for Life’ shop and then onto a family BBQ, where ‘Pasture for Life’ foods, as this is the only guarantee the animals have never meat and dairy products are enjoyed by all. been fed any grain. The first place to look is on the Pasture “Creating consumer demand for Pasture for Life food, with for Life website, by clicking on the ‘Where to Buy’ page.” its nutritionally superior attributes over food from grain- fed animals, is now one of our chief goals, and will support The film can be watched at www.pastureforlife.org.uk

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5 soil association

Organic eggs – what’s the difference? by Kate Still, Soil Association Livestock Health and Welfare Advisor

Hens confined to cramped cages is probably one of the most familiar images when it comes to animal welfare campaigns from recent years. As a result, most UK shoppers avoid eggs from caged birds. But what’s the difference between free-range and organic? Kate Still, Soil Association Livestock Health and Welfare Advisor, explains:

In the UK we consume billions of eggs each year, with organic the standards set in EU regulations to label their products egg sales representing around 8% of total supermarket sales, organic. These rules cover the amount of space animals must following two years of double-digit market growth. have, the way they are treated, what they are fed and how Increasing consumer awareness has meant that the welfare they are slaughtered. of laying hens has come a long way, with our supermarkets all Soil Association organic standards specify a maximum committing to phase out cage eggs entirely by 2025. Despite this, flock size of 2,000 birds, going further than the EU organic most hens in the UK are rarely able to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. regulations of 3,000 hens. In contrast there is no maximum Organic eggs are different, as organic producers must under free-range legislation, and RSPCA assured standards abide by strict EU laws to ensure the highest standards of set a maximum flock size of 16,000 hens. animal welfare. Organic is a legally protected term in food Having fewer birds makes it easier to manage bird welfare and drink, whereby producers must be certified and follow on an individual level and it gives them better opportunity to get 6 soil association out onto the outdoor range, where they can explore, forage for insects, scratch in the ground, and dust bathe. These behaviours are hens’ natural instincts, so if we want them to live a good life, we need to ensure we give them the best chance to act on those instincts. Generally, a smaller proportion of birds go outside in larger flocks as they simply can’t get there easily enough. That is why organic poultry must have continuous and easy daytime access to an outdoor range covered with suitable vegetation. Soil Association certified farms must provide more ‘pop holes’ from the hen house to make it as easy as possible for the hens to get outdoors. It is also important to consider that hens are initially quite fearful of new environments, even the outdoor range, so giving them access from an early age will encourage them to live a more free-range life. Soil Association organic standards therefore require farmers to give hens access to the outdoors by at least 12 weeks old, although many flocks will be let out earlier. Farmers must also provide natural overhead cover to make the birds feel secure and settled when outdoors. The range itself must be rested for at least nine months between flocks to allow vegetation to grow back and prevent build-up of disease in the soil. This is good for both the hens and the wider environment, and in the long-term also creates less work for the farmer as healthier soils are more flood and drought resilient. to farm animals and while all farmers are working hard to Organic standards prohibit the mutilation of hens via beak reduce their use, the routine use of antibiotics is banned by trimming. This practice is carried out routinely on UK laying organic standards. This means they can’t be fed to animals as a hens, despite its potential to cause pain and stress, as well as preventative measure - they can only be used if animals get ill. limiting the foraging behaviour they enjoy. Beak trimming is Looking for the organic logo on eggs therefore means you are carried out to reduce the damage a hen can cause to other birds supporting a way of farming that provides a good life for hens, through injurious feather pecking, an abnormal behaviour which while protecting the environment and human health. can be a serious welfare concern. We believe the focus needs The population of organic laying hens increased by 14% in to be on preventing feather pecking through management and 2017-18 and 9.1% the previous year, following the double-digit providing hens with a stimulating environment with enough growth in organic egg sales over the last two years. This is a space and enrichment for them to scratch and forage without trend that is being driven by consumer awareness of animal affecting their fellow birds. welfare and is predicted to continue – showing that organic is a Another benefit to choosing organic is the issue of antibiotic great opportunity for farmers and that all of us can make a huge resistance. Around 40% of all antibiotics in the UK are given difference to hens, people and planet with this simple swap. Take action If you agree that animals should have a very good life where they can graze, root, peck and play, you can add your voice to the call for higher animal welfare standards by giving a regular donation to the Soil Association. The charity campaigns for stronger animal welfare rules and incentives, to help farmers invest in welfare and to ensure UK welfare schemes are bold and ambitious: your support can make a huge difference.

Find out more at www.soilassociation.org/improve-welfare

7 a farmer’s view The influence of changing weather patterns by Nick Green, Lye Cross Farm

Whenever farmers are together, once they’ve finished discussing the topic of the day, conversation reverts to the weather. Weather is really important to farmers. Too much rain and the fields get wet, cattle churn up the grass and crops spoil. Not enough rain and the crops shrivel up and don’t produce anything. Too much sun and all the pigs that are kept outside need to have wallows dug and maintained and so it goes on. Climate change seems to be having a bearing on weather patterns over recent years and it begs the question, is it impacting farming? Anecdotally, looking back over the last fifty years or so, it seems the seasons have evened themselves it seems recent summers have come in three parts. Warm and out. Gone are the long cold winters with hard frosts followed dry to start, wet in the middle and then a lovely back end in by bright spring days, long hot summers and then the gradual September. How can the farmer work around this? It seems change through autumn back into winter. Now, we seem winter barley and oilseed rape are destined to be cut earlier in to get mild wet winters, earlier springs, a nice start to the July than was previously the case. Should we wait and harvest summer followed by a wet August, an Indian summer through wheat later or should we harvest it and accept we will need to September and October and then back into winter. dry it with the added inconvenience and cost? So how does this affect farming? In the 1970’s spring It’s a question that’s up for debate but again it is caused by cultivations, manure spreading and fertilising was all done a change to our climate. For farmers that grow maize climate on reasonably dry ground at the end of February. Machines change and increasing temperatures have a beneficial effect. weren’t big so operations took a while and it was often mid to When maize first became popular in the UK in the late 1970’s late March before grassland had finished being chain harrowed and early 1980’s it seemed with the varieties available and the and rolled and spring crops sown. When I consider the last UK’s climate it would forever be confined to being grown in the few years it seems the ground has taken longer to become dry southern counties. The success of maize growing was based on enough to work on and then summers seems to start in the the number of Ontario Heat Units (OHU) or the amount of sun a middle of April. particular area had in a given year. In the early days, Hampshire What this does mean is farmers need to have the capacity was the epicentre for growing maize and then over the years it to do all their spring work in a couple of weeks rather than a has spread northwards. couple of months. Investment in bigger or more equipment is Plant breeding has something to do with it but with milder required or contractors employed. It seems climate change is winters keeping the soil warmer and hotter summers farmers affecting even the most basic of tasks. On a grassland farm, are now growing fantastic crops of maize right the way up with the warmer, drier ‘early summer’ in April and May it through the country to Cheshire and beyond. means grass growth accelerates and instead of making silage Climate change is certainly having an impact on British in late May and early June as was often done historically, it is agriculture. Some of it is positive and some negative. Climate now being made in late April and early May. Always good to get change is nothing new. What is new, is the speed of change on with the job but cutting grass earlier and fertilising a bit later brought about by the way we live our lives. We have gone means less should be applied so there is no residual fertiliser in through many changes in the past and no doubt there will be the harvested crop. Another change due to climate change. changes in the future. Farming needs to continue to change and Moving on to arable farming. Cereals and oilseed crops are evolve to accommodate climate change and I am sure farmers still sown at about the same time but with warmer winters and growers will do just that to take full advantage of what the crops grow more vigorously. On the face of it, this isn’t a climate change might offer. We can grow fantastic crops of problem but to optimise yields there shouldn’t be too many champagne grapes in the south west now. How long before we tillers (stalks). It’s an issue that can be dealt with using modern are able to grow bananas? sprays but again it’s an issue that has been bought about due to climate change. Nick Green MBA, Farm Operations Director So assuming the arable crops continue to grow and ripen Lye Cross Farm, Redhill, Bristol BS40 5RH what can we expect when we get to harvest? As noted earlier, Tel: 01934 862 320 | www.lyecrossfarm.co.uk 8 The Dinnington Docks is a rare unspoilt country pub, a true local favourite

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10 nfu Keep the combines rolling by Mark Weekes, Regional Board Chairman, South West NFU

Now is the time of year when you may well have spotted the combines that are hard at work in the fields, where we are busy bringing in this year’s harvest. This is always a stressful time of year, when there are never enough hours in the day and you have to keep a careful eye on the forecast and hope the weather co-operates – which in our part of the world is by no means certain. So far things seem to be going reasonably smoothly and although conditions have not been perfect by any means, they haven’t made life too difficult. If I’m honest, the problem with the weather that is vexing me The other issue which is causing concern at the moment is at the moment is not so much how it will affect farm operations, the price farmers are being paid for lamb and, in particular, but how changes to our climate – and to be more exact what we beef. It is estimated that beef producers are currently losing need to do about it – have been reported in certain sections of up to £1 on every kilo of meat, or about £320 for the average the media. finished carcass. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) The price drop has been caused by a number of factors, recently published a report about climate change and land including beef stockpiled ahead of a March Brexit date being use. This looked, on a global scale, at how the way we use land released onto the market, more imports from the Republic of might be affecting our climate. Amongst the suggestions made Ireland and lack of competition amongst processors. by the authors of the report was one that we should consider Unfortunately the drop has been sharp and swift, whereas in eating less meat, as in other parts of the world it is often not the past prices have lowered more gradually. This has made it sustainably produced. particularly difficult for producers to plan their businesses and What the IPCC did not say was that we should abandon meat manage supply – livestock production is a long game, it can take altogether in favour of eating plants. They recommended a two years to raise a calf to a saleable point. sustainably-produced balanced diet, but listening to some of Whilst prices being paid to beef producers are so low as to be the reporting of the issue you could be forgiven for thinking that currently unsustainable, the amount being charged for beef at was the case. the supermarket check-out has not dropped at all. As a producer of high-quality, sustainable lamb I can’t tell Clearly we need to ask retailers and processors some you how frustrating this is – our sheep graze grass which is searching questions about where the money is going, because actually a very effective carbon ‘sink’ helping take CO2 out of it’s not to farmers, but at least part of the solution to these the atmosphere – and looking at the list of dubious ingredients issues lies in the hands of the Government. on the back of some highly-processed yet supposedly climate- A good start would be for our new Prime Minister to ensure friendly vegan products I can’t help but think that common that public procurement contracts for hospitals, schools and the sense has gone right out of the window. armed forces prioritise British beef and produce that’s covered by Red Tractor farm assurance. Clearly there are challenges ahead for the industry, but we are up for meeting them. What we need is the opportunity to build profitable businesses that can survive the shocks ahead and give us the confidence to re-invest for the future. And you can help by simply looking out for the Red Tractor when you are shopping. By buying British you are not only helping an industry that employs more than 60,000 people across the region, but also looks after our fantastic landscapes and has an important role to play in helping climate change, not only through grazing land capturing a lot of carbon, but through the production of renewable energy by windmills, solar panels or anaerobic digesters that can turn farm waste into electricity. Currently we are just 61 per cent self-sufficient in food we can grow ourselves. More British food sourcing and purchasing could easily get that figure back up to 75 per cent, where it was in 1989. This will help keep the combines rolling for many years to come. 11 NEW DEPOT OPENING FOR 2019 Hartnoll Business Centre, Post Hill, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4NG SJH Machinery are your main Kubota Agricultural and professional Groundcare dealer for Somerset and half of Devon.

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12 the national allotment society A rural plot under a huge sky by Lesley Greene, the National Allotment Society

From small enclosed city allotments in Edinburgh to the open, windy 200m high allotments here on the Cotswolds I have experienced many different allotment plots. I am now the Parish Council Allotment Warden for the Chestergate Allotments in Bisley near Stroud Gloucestershire. These large plots, dating back to before the First World War, were designed to feed a big family, with room for crop rotation, chickens, rabbits, and pigs. In addition to the plots many “cottagers” (as they are still called in our annual Flower and Vegetable show entry categories) also had a front cottage garden cultivated with flowers and vegetables. By the late 1960’s the allotments that historically filled this five-acre field had dwindled to very few. Villages were changing. Supermarkets were more accessible; most people had some access to a car. When I took a plot in 1985 there were only six allotments in cultivation (and I was the only woman!). Allotment holders and others take what they want for free. When I joined the Parish Council, I was anxious that our We sieve and bag compost too; this is a fine medium and has open allotment field might fall prey to calls for new housing. been professionally analysed for its minerals and quality I took on a task as Allotment Warden to ‘revitalise’ the plots, (“excellent”). It is available for a donation. The space we have clear away accumulated rubbish, and divide the dauntingly has also allowed us to set up a Community Orchard. We grow huge plots into smaller plots. The timing was good. Interest indigenous Gloucestershire apples, pears and plums. It is in eating food untouched by chemicals was growing; Rachel surrounded by an ‘Edible Hedgerow’ of hazels, rowan, crab Carson’s “Silent Spring” was finally hitting home. There was apples, elderberries, hips and haws, (free from the Woodland a good take-up of half-plots from the village’s younger Trust). We also leave around half an acre or so for wildlife families. Many had not grown vegetables before, and most flowers (including orchids), various butterflies and moths and were leading complicated lives so a smaller plot was not birds, grass snakes, slow worms, toads, hedgehogs, foxes. too ‘off-putting’. The Cotswold Brash soil here is clay on limestone. It is fertile The allotments started to become more of a social space but hard work and many allotment holders here are growing in because people who hadn’t grown before needed advice and raised beds. They face the same challenges as all plot-holders help, and older allotment holders were generous with their – rows of pigeons in the hedgerows watching the plot holder to time, helpful with advice, gave away plants and seeds and, of leave her brassica’s unprotected and the slugs munching through course, complained to me when plots weren’t weeded as well seedlings. Many of our plot holders are inspired to encourage as theirs!! The plots also gave children extra place to play. It wildlife with a mix of pollinating flowers and little ponds. was a huge thrill for me (but indicative of a radically changed A couple of the gardeners believe they have some (anecdotal) countryside) when a mother told me that in her son’s primary evidence that heavy mulching over some years encourages school class the children were asked where potatoes came a variety of life in the soil and a re-balancing of nature, so from. Most put their hands up and said, “the shop Miss”, but that slug eggs are taken by soil predators, thus lowering slug young Ollie got top marks when he said, “From the ‘lottie’”! numbers on their plots. We are all aware that much of our Our field has space enough to support other growing projects wildlife is migrating to the cities because today’s farmland and the allotment holders here are – I guess like many people is not necessarily wildlife friendly, and are all interested in growing their own food – concerned about the environment. observations that support organic allotments. Our allotment Allotment holders found it was almost impossible locally to field with its hedgerows, its big skies, its 50 growers tending buy peat free compost. So, a group of us set up a community their plots, the community compost scheme, the great space composting scheme. This is hugely popular with parish for wildflowers, and a community orchard in which to sit, residents who bring their green “waste” to the scheme; we is an oasis… a place not only for growing but for the soul. transform the waste aerobically into un-sieved compost that makes great mulch. www.nsalg.org.uk 13 rural issues

As clear as mud by Stewart Horne I have tried to avoid the subject of Brexit over the last few years as it has felt like walking through treacle and not getting anywhere fast. Whichever side of the divide you sit at the time of writing (mid-August) it appears that the UK might get to some sort of conclusion in the next few months, of course that might mean a general election, the result of which could go either way from my perspective. The uncertainty over the last 2-3 years has caused many I envisage a divergent agriculture and landscape with a businesses to sit on their hands in terms of investing for the number of intensive, highly productive units producing food with future given so many unknown factors in the short and long the latest technology for both home and export consumption. term. Whatever the final result of the Brexit question, rural This will be balanced by a larger number of less intensive farms areas are poised to see significant change in how the landscape producing food for very local markets. We are already seeing is managed in the next few years. Some of the options for land a number of milk producers install milk vending machines use are contradictory, many commentators predict leaving the to sell direct to consumers by-passing the supermarkets. EU will mean new opportunities for food producers to export to This trend will increase. new markets around the world. Over recent years the UK has Part of the climate mitigation process that landowners must doubled its food exports, although much of this is to the EU. embrace is an increase in tree planting; this can be achieved At the same time the industry will need to reduce its carbon in many ways. Trees not only absorb carbon but can be used to footprint dramatically. slow water flow helping to reduce flooding risk in vulnerable China and the Far East has a huge appetite for pig meat due to areas. I don’t know a farm where it would not be possible to the big reductions of their home-grown pork because of Swine plant 10% or more with trees on steep land, wetter areas, Fever. Some economists are predicting a big increase in protein awkward corners or non-productive areas. In the South West values across the world as China increase their imports of pork our hedgerows could carry many more specimen trees without and other meats. The difficulty for producers is how they supply shading crops. Agro-forestry has been promoted for decades that market whilst at the same time reduce their impact on the as a way of integrating crops alongside trees but the trend to climate from intensive production; can the need to increase monoculture cereal cropping in large parts of the country has UK exports and improve the UK’s self-sufficiency in temperate proved more popular and profitable. foods to improve the UK economy post Brexit be justified on I am sure profitable food production, with reduced environmental grounds? environmental impacts, climate change mitigation and Somehow the agricultural industry, regulators and policy increased trade in food can be achieved. This will require makers are going to have to square this circle; I think using change from all involved in activities that take place on the the right incentives (subsidies and pricing mechanisms) it will UK landscape but with the right support it can happen. The be possible. Critical to making the transfer from the existing alternative is we continue to import more and more of our policies and land uses will be to avoid unintended consequences food (at the same time exporting the associated environmental for businesses that for no fault of their own find it difficult damage) and we lose the skills, abilities and knowledge of our to adjust. farmers as they become park keepers.

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14 not be spared its share of new homes, disregarding Another one bites the fact that it’s a place of outstanding natural beauty and is heavily reliant on the dust by Penny Mills, CPRE Devon income from tourists who come here to enjoy that very quality. After just a year in the job, Kit Malthouse MP - the target of Mr Malthouse wrote: “This is clearly a key issue to the people CPRE Devon’s recent postcard campaign against unnecessary of Devon, both those born there and those who have chosen to house-building in the countryside - is Housing Minister no more. move to your lovely county. But we cannot hide from the fact Under the latest Cabinet reshuffle, he’s been moved to pastures that we have not been building enough homes to meet our new and yet another Housing Minister appointed, Esther McVey, country’s needs for decades. the ninth holder of this particular post in the last nine years. To address the historic undersupply of housing and give For our countryside charity, it’s a frustrating set of our young people real hope of getting onto the housing ladder, circumstances. For months now, our supporters the length all areas must share responsibility for helping to provide the and breadth of the county have bombarded Mr Malthouse with homes we need. Our crucial mission of building homes for the 2,000 postcards, urging him not to continue the unnecessary next generation is simply a question of when and not if.” destruction of Devon’s green fields by building more new homes CPRE Devon has long campaigned for brownfield sites than the county actually needs. to be built on first, before green fields are forever lost Mr Malthouse’s reply to the bulging mailbags from Devon is to development. However, we’re not convinced that Mr just as disappointing as his swift departure. Only days before Malthouse’s talk of “encouraging the prioritisation of brownfield he handed over the housing portfolio to his successor, Mr development” has the necessary bite to force the development Malthouse had finally been jolted into sending CPRE Devon a of brownfield first. Nor are we persuaded that his spoutings response to those thousands of postcards. Sadly, it contained about localism and giving say to local people on important nothing new. In essence, it said that the West Country would decisions carry real conviction.

15 veterinary practice Piggy particulars by Tom Warboys BVetMed PGDipVCP MRCVS, of Synergy Farm Health

Keeping pigs is a rewarding (and entertaining) occupation. Whether they are for production or purely as pets, it is always a pleasure to meet pigs and their owners on my rounds. They are generally trouble-free animals, but there are some important actions to take to ensure they remain that way! Even if they are pets, pigs are still classed as production animals and therefore there are some important points of legislation to be aware of. One of the best ways to keep your pigs healthy is to operate a “closed herd” system, which means not buying in animals and should be weaned onto a grower ration at around 6-8 weeks of ensuring there is no nose-to-nose contact with neighbours. Any age (approximately 3-5% of their bodyweight, of 14% protein). new arrivals should be isolated for a few weeks before mixing Porcine legislation may not be much fun, but it is vital to know with your own. the basics. Since the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak it It is useful to get the vaccination history of any new animals. has been ILLEGAL to feed waste from any catering facility to The two common vaccines you will use in small pig systems pigs, including your kitchen. Some deadly viruses can survive are against Clostridia and Erysipelas. Both these bacteria can in and around meat products. If you think there is a grey area be found in the soil and can cause septicaemia. The vaccines regarding food waste, if in doubt, don’t feed it. are cheap and effective. Some animals may also receive a Any pig that moves on or off your holding must have a form of Parvovirus vaccine, but this is an option for breeding stock only. permanent ID such as ear tag, tattoo or double slap mark, and Vets are often asked about the best worming strategy for these must include your Defra herd number. If you are unsure pigs. The simple answer is that if the animals will not be around about how to identify your pigs, contact the local APHA office for long, they shouldn’t need worming (unless they are piglets (probably Exeter) for advice. When a pig arrives on your holding, moving to fresh ground for the first time). Any permanent a 20 day standstill applies to any other pigs you have and also a residents such as breeding sows should be wormed twice a 6 day standstill to any other livestock, unless you have approved year. This can be given either as an injection or in food, which is isolation facilities. Finally, all medicines given to your pigs often less stressful for all concerned! should appear in your medicines book (along with a note of how Managing nutrition in pigs can be a challenge. The best much and when). thing to do is look at the pig and use Body Condition Scoring I see a variety of housing systems for pigs, ranging as a guide. A pig in perfect condition will not have a prominent from stables and sheds to home-built pig arcs. The basic (or visible) spine, but it should be felt with gentle pressure. requirements of shelter from the weather, fresh clean bedding The recommended daily feed is approximately 2% of a pig’s and fresh food and water will be the same regardless. An bodyweight, consisting of a 12% protein mix plus a source of artificial heat source is essential for young piglets, and a “creep” fibre. Most minerals will be picked up from the soil. During area is useful to prevent any crush injuries from the sow. late pregnancy and lactation, nutritional demand may increase by 50% and a ‘lactating sow’ diet should be fed. Young piglets www.synergyfarmhealth.com

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17 making a country living

Knocking on the door of Backdoor Shoes by Stephen Davy-Osborne

Fed up with muddy footprints on the carpet in the family home, Stephen Avery set about finding his own solution. And 12 years on that solution is in high demand in more than 25 countries around the world.

It will be a familiar situation for many of us. We just need to nip more widely available and suitable for the home environment. out into the garden quickly to grab something from the shed, Starting with a pair of white clogs he decided to print a floral or bring in the washing from the line as it starts to rain. It’s not design on them to appeal to gardeners. What set him apart was very far at all, so there’s no point going and getting your wellies that rather than using a graphic design, the photographs were on, or messing about with shoelaces. printed onto the shoes. That was 12 years ago. And there lies the problem. Before you know it, you’re Happy with the slip on shoes that had been developed, and traipsing mud all across the house, and you suddenly find widening the range to include mixed vegetables, tomatoes yourself with even more work to do cleaning those carpets. and strawberries, he went to the BBC Gardeners World Live in Fed up with this situation, Stephen – who worked in his Birmingham where the business was well and truly born. very own custom made shed in the family back garden in “At the time we didn’t really have a name for the business,” Bournemouth – decided enough was enough and looked for said Stephen. “It was all completely new to us. But we turned a solution. up and people who visited our stand said to us, these would He came across a pair of medical clogs worn by doctors and be just great by the backdoor. And in that moment I realised surgical staff and soon realised he could be on to something. that was what we should name the business. It really took off Recognising there would be thousands of people in this very from there. Luckily I was able to register the name and able to situation, he began thinking about how he could make the product launch Backdoor Shoes as a brand. We are now registered in 18 making a country living

29 countries. We are not a big business, but we have massive potential, and we are able to go into different markets by the designs we print on the shoes.” Now you can order a pair of clogs with everything on from bluebells and poppies to cats and dogs. For the gents you can even have a leather brogue design printed. The simplicity of the design means that there really are no limits in terms of design. In the last 12 years their following has only increased, and despite the introduction of tougher GDPR regulations a couple of years ago, 40,000 people on their database have opted in to be on their newsletter mailing list. The clogs, which are all vegan, are a British design and made in China. The decision was taken quite early on not to supply to trade, but rather to focus on the customer. He said: “We decided to focus on retail where we could really look after our customers directly. We sell direct through our website and direct through our shows. Quite often people tell us they have bought our shoes as gifts for other people as well. “The comfort of these shoes is so important, and they are so popular because we use really good materials. It’s not like going to a garden centre where you can pick up a cheap pair that will last you 18 months to a couple of years that don’t fit you properly. Our clogs are ergonomically fitted and we make sure when we are at shows that people try them on to get the right fit for them. Yes they are a little bit more expensive, but once you “We have had some really funny reviews from customers have a pair you won’t need another. who have worn their clogs in rather surprising situations. We “Perhaps that is bad for business that they last so long, but we get told a lot that people went to Waitrose and did the shopping would much rather create something that people can use for a without realising they hadn’t changed their shoes, they become long time. People always come back to us, whether that’s to buy part of you. another pair for someone else or a second pair for themselves. “One lady got in touch with me to say that her husband had “People who bought them 12 years ago come up to us at been driving from London to Manchester for the most important shows and tell us they still have them and they’re still going business meeting of his life. But as he got out of the car at a strong. You might see that as a negative from a business point petrol station near Birmingham he realised he had his tomato- of view, but I see it as a positive. print clogs on. He hadn’t even realised he had them on when “Our customers are our biggest advocates. People will tell he left, he was so used to wearing them because they are so other people to buy them because they are so long lasting. You comfortable. Without any time to pick up another pair of shoes often see it at shows, someone will bring a friend along to the he had to go into this meeting wearing them, and explain the stand and tell them that they have a pair of our clogs and that situation to everyone in the meeting. But they went down an they wear them for everything. Our business has grown by word absolute storm, and it turned out to be an ice breaker.” of mouth, and very organically. People love the product, and we Conscious of their environmental footprint, Stephen is look after our customers.” currently working on a project which he hopes will have a Recently, Backdoor Shoes teamed up with a local hedgehog lasting impact. rescue centre, printing a hedgehog design on their clogs, and He said: “If you buy a cheap pair of clogs, often the top comes worked with Marwell Zoo to design clogs featuring a photograph away and you have to throw them away before long and they end of the markings of one of the zoo’s very own leopards. up in landfill. But we are currently working on a project to recycle “People assume that our nearest competition would be a the material. Because our shoes last for years and years you well-known popular brand, but our customers aren’t really the don’t end up having to buy a new pair every couple of months, sort of people who would by those shoes, so we don’t see them which has an impact in its own right, but we want to go further as our competition,” said Stephen. and be able to offer people the facility to recycle their old clogs.” “One particular person took their pair to Everest Base Camp! And the sky really is the limit when it comes to growing the Because they are so light you can literally put them in your business. They already count veterinary nurses, surgeons, bag and travel the world with them to wear as a comfortable dentists, carpet fitters, electricians, builders, fisherman, pair of shoes. The reality is that people take them all over the gardeners, dogwalkers, and physios among their customers. world and you can walk miles in them because they are so But each new design opens up new possibilities for them. comfortable. Even though they are a clog, they don’t fall off, because they are comfortable and well-fitted. www.backdoorshoes.co.uk 19 FARMER DIXON’S Smallholding Courses 2019 Course Dates October 5 POULTRY Keeping Saturday for beginners

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20 helpful holidays Ensure your holiday let is ready for off-peak season by Helpful Holidays Helpful Holidays’ helpful hints to maximise your property’s booking potential for the off-peak season. Think about your target market off-season and how best to appeal to them. Think about the extended family Consider what your visitors will expect when deciding on Having a dog-friendly property will increase its visibility. Added which facilities you’re going to include. extras such as dog towels, bowls, throws or Bonios would be very welcome additions. When pet owners find a holiday home where What do your guests want? both they and their four-legged friends can relax, they often return. Having something which stands out and sets your property apart is important. A hot tub will increase your property’s Ingredients for a successful winter visibility. When prospective guests have the choice of staying A selection of baking items will help enthusiasts feel at home - somewhere with or without one, the property with one will maybe provide a range of cookery books and a quality mixer to often get the booking. Even though cooler at this time of give your guests food for thought about what they can do on a year, the chance to soak outdoors is very popular - we would wet weather day. recommend having a cover or gazebo so even in the worst weather, your guests can enjoy the bubbles. Figures show hot Upgrade to increase bookings tubs undoubtedly increase a property’s booking potential. Take time to upgrade your property to increase your bookings - Perhaps create a cinema room with smart speaker or think about new styles to catch guests’ attention and make your surround-sound. Couples and families alike can snuggle property stand out. There are lots of properties out there – with on the sofa and enjoy something they may not have at home. major improvements, prices may go up, which can increase Think gourmet popcorn or a quirky cocktail station so your revenue on top of improved booking levels. Once completed, guests can make a tipple while watching their favourite flicks. call us so we can visit to update photos. A wood burner is always a good idea. Short breaks - boosting booking levels out of season Small touches really help While we specialise in week-long bookings, being open for short Guests appreciate thoughtful touches to keep them warm breaks out of season may help to fill gaps. Where possible, during colder months. Having a couple of thermos flasks accept arrivals on any day of the week. to take on a crisp morning walk will undoubtedly make guests feel special. For more information about Helpful Holidays please get in Other ideas may be to provide wooly hats, a brolly or perhaps touch with our friendly owner team on 01647 401799 or by some wellies. emailing [email protected].

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21 smallholding - south yeo farm east

Starting with pigs by Gillian Dixon, South Yeo Farm East

Pigs are often the first four-legged animals that newcomers to smallholding decide to rear. They are relatively simple to keep and will fill your freezer with a fantastic variety of meat, from pork joints, chops, and sausages, to mouth-watering bacon and gammon.

They require a surprisingly small amount of space and will be of your ‘weaners’ (young pigs) will help you, but you will need to with you for only 4-6 months so if you decide they are not for you, do it when they go to the abattoir in four plus months’ time. you are not committed for years on end. If you are planning on You are required to maintain a medicine book for any trying pigs, I would recommend getting them in April/May time medicines purchased or administered to your animals (although and keeping them through the summer months. In this article we in practice, assuming the vendor has wormed your weaners will look at the regulations involved in pig keeping, the equipment before you collect them, you’d be very unlucky to have to you will need, what to feed them and how to look after them. administer anything to them in the duration of their stay with There are a few basic legal requirements you must observe you). Before your pigs go to the abattoir, they will need to be when keeping pigs: before getting your first pigs, you need to identified with your herd number by either using ear tags or a obtain a unique Holding Number from Defra, and to register ‘slap mark’. Any of these records can be inspected at any time with your local animal health department as a keeper of pigs by the RPA or Trading Standards, so do familiarise yourself with and you will be assigned a herd number. When your pigs are the rules and keep your paperwork up to date. moved on or off your land, they must be accompanied by some For a first time pig keeper, choose a docile traditional breed; movement ‘paperwork’ so you will need to register on-line with any of the lop eared pigs such as Large Black, Gloucestershire the AHDB for electronic movement licensing (eAML), the seller Old Spots, Oxford Sandy and Black, Saddleback or British Lops 22 south yeo farm east - smallholding would suit, their ears largely obscure their view so they aren’t known for testing their fences and escaping. They are also long bodied pigs suited to both bacon and pork; the longer the middle (loin) area of the pig, the more rashers of bacon you can produce. Shorter pigs such as Middle White, Kune Kune and Berkshire are better reared for pork, you can make bacon from them, just not as much. Until you have more confidence in keeping pigs, or are going to rear them securely inside, it would be advisable to avoid more active breeds like the Tamworth or Wild Boar crosses! Most weaners will be sold at around 8 weeks of age when they are ready to leave mum. It is always recommended to have two or more as they are social animals, so should never be kept on their own. A trailer or sturdy dog cage will be required to transport them home, and at this age they can just about be lifted and carried. Assuming you will be keeping them outside, they need shelter in the form of an arc or purpose made pig sty with an adjoining run area where they can exercise and root around. Often new pig keepers want them to clear a rough area of ground ready to plant vegetables and they are perfect for this. increases and they can be put on a pig ‘grower’ ration. This is a The arc is likely to be your biggest outlay at around £300 new, it small pellet, fed into a trough or onto the ground if it is dry. We does need to be sturdy as the young pigs grow they can become usually switch to a sow nut at around four months of age as the quite destructive. The arc should be placed with its back to protein level is lower and we’ve found ‘finishing’ rations tend to the weather, bedded with straw and be draught free. They are cause the traditional breeds to lay down too much fat. surprisingly snug, even when it is freezing outside the low roof Furthermore, we feed them well for the first 4 months, then keeps warmth down at pig level. tend to plateau the amount they receive, again to minimise fat. Pigs need fencing to keep them where you want them. Give As a rule of thumb, each day feed your growing pigs 1lb of food them as much space as you can spare, but be prepared for the per pig per month of age up to 4 months, and split this feed into damage to the ground and potential repair needed once they an am and pm feed given at the same time each day. Remember are gone. A pen the size of half a tennis court is ample for 2-3 it is illegal to feed any farmed livestock food that has passed growers. Fences can either be constructed of wooden posts and through your kitchen, vegetable waste direct from the garden livestock netting along with a strand of barbed wire at ground is fine. You should always be on the lookout for changes level to stop them getting their snouts under and lifting the in behaviour or food and water intake which may suggest fence, or two strands of electric tape or wire at roughly ankle something is wrong and act on it quickly. and knee height, supported by plastic posts pushed into the Pork pigs are usually reared for around 6 months and those ground, the wire being connected to an energiser that issues destined for bacon kept until 7-9 months of age before they go a pulse of electricity around the wire and will give the pigs a off at between 80-100Kg liveweight (but this will vary with the shock encouraging them to keep back and not test the fence breed and whether they are for pork or bacon). A set of sheep again. The latter option gives you more flexibility and will allow weigh scales or a weigh band can help monitor their weight you to move or extend the run if you need to. gain and ensure you get them booked in for slaughter at just the They will need a supply of clean water, either in purpose made right time. They will need to be identified with your herd number drinkers supplied via the mains, gravity feed system or bucketed by applying an approved ear tag or slap mark before going to into a heavy container such as an old Belfast sink which you can the abattoir, and you will need a trailer to get them there. There turn over to empty and clean (but is hopefully heavy enough they are just a handful of abattoirs that cater to smallholders here in won’t be able to). They do like a wallow or muddy patch to lie in the southwest so do ask questions and let them know it is your to help them keep cool in the summer months. first time and they will explain the process. Arrange with them When it comes to feeding, everyone will have their preferred or your local butcher for the meat to be hung and cut to your method. No matter how much grass or vegetables they specifications and then prepare to enjoy your very own mouth- consume, pigs still need a daily compound feed to grow to their watering chops or bacon! best potential. They are creatures of habit and like to be fed at the same time each day. Ask the seller what they are being fed Gillian and her husband Ian farm near Okehampton in Devon on when you collect them, and if you can, bring a small amount and run introductory smallholding courses. Their next Pig away with you to ease the transition to their new diet. Keeping course is 19th October. Piglets will suckle milk from their mother from birth to weaning, and from around two weeks of age will start to pick See www.southyeofarm.co.uk. Follow their daily farming at her food too. Gradually the amount of ‘hard’ food they take activities on Twitter @southyeoeast 23 smallholding - farrantshayes A harrowing tale - managing your land by Emma Hillier, Farrantshayes

Emma and Jon Hillier bought Farrantshayes, a former commercial farm, in August 2016. They keep cattle, sheep, pigs, two nutty spaniels and an ex racehorse. They also (somehow) hold down day jobs; Emma is a secondary school teacher and Jon is a property developer.

In the inaugural months after we moved to Farrantshayes, the to feed the horses and cattle, come what may. It’s rewarding twinkly-eyed outgoing ‘old boy’ farmer (Bernie) would regularly to get something so tangible back from the land. drop in to see how we were doing. On these benevolent Trouble is that the more questions you ask about land ‘inspections’ two main things concerned him. Firstly, that I STILL management, the more there are. With the recent movement didn’t know how to age a sheep by the number of teeth it has. towards ‘re-wilding’ you start to feel guilty for even thinking Secondly that the grass in that front field was getting VERY long. about ‘taming’ your acreage. Should you just let it all grow as I called another local farmer around for advice on the latter. it pleases? Virtuously re-seed it with an insect friendly multi- He sucked his teeth and said that it was far too short to make species wildflower mix hand gathered from local ancient native hay from. Too long for some, too short for others. It seemed meadows at a cost of several thousand pounds? I wish. Co- there was no easy answer. He could ‘top it off’ for us, though. I graze species and introduce wolves and bears? Fortunately, had no idea what that meant, but it seemed like the right thing there are a small but growing number of ‘nature friendly to do. It’s basically giving your grass a rough haircut - taking the farmers’, many of whom share their expertise on Twitter and ‘top’ off everything- thistles and weeds included. That sounded are working alongside environmentalists and ‘nature geeks’ good so we did that. to chart a course forward. I didn’t know much about land, but I did know that I wanted James Rebanks, (@herdyshepherd1) whose brilliant book to steer clear of chemical fertilisers - they seemed like a ‘The Shepherd’s Life’ is both gritty and hopelessly romantic villainously bad idea. Not that I would have the faintest idea about the way humans interact with the landscape, is well how or where to apply them anyway. Eventually, when we worth a follow if this is something you’re interested in. It entered our Countryside Stewardship scheme it turned out saddens me that there are many who think that farming of all that there was public money available for what is called a descriptions is the mortal enemy of nature; it need not be so. ‘low input grassland’ option. Keeping your fields free of nitrogen There is hope - we have to believe that - and it seems that fertiliser was a desirable thing. Doing less was better. many of the answers lie in our distant pastoral rather than That I could surely manage. recent industrial past. I may be hopelessly ‘green’ (no pun Even the equipment required for land maintenance is intended) still about the ‘right’ way to manage land but I would considerable. Fortunately, we now have a wonderful pasture like to think that if we wholeheartedly accept that we are management company - South West Paddock Care - who mere passing custodians of a small corner of the earth and particularly cater for idiot smallholders like us. They own all that we have a responsibility to incrementally improve, rather the gear (tractor/topper/harrows) and take the weight off our than denigrate it, we are probably on the right track. But I will having to make a decision regarding when the rolling should probably never know how old a ‘two tooth’ is. Sorry, Bernie. be done. In addition, this year, we also brought in a contractor to make our winter haylage. We got a whopping 67 large bales Emma tweets on @farrantshayes and blogs about her from 6 acres; I can confirm that there’s nothing that offers quite experiences on www.farrantshayes.co.uk/emmys-blog. the warm thrill of knowing you’ve a barn crammed with fodder Emma is also secretary of Devon Association of Smallholders. 24 Cleft gates by Jeremy Weiss, Devon Rural Skills Trust

As the trees begin to glow orange and brown and red, and the autumn winds create a multicoloured snow of leaves, the season for gate making begins. In the coppice the sweet chestnut is felled and moved to the yard. Come the Spring, new shoots will form on cracks and pops. It shaves beautifully giving off a strong aroma, the stools and the next crop of poles will begin to grow. In 15 years which mixes with the smell of coffee and woodsmoke. The hedge- or so, they will be cut again for more fences and gates as the cycle laying will wait for a dry day, this is gate weather. comes full circle. Chestnut is a beautiful wood, so soft to work when it is fresh In the meantime, however, the cut wood is brought into the and green, yet when dry it is hard and incredibly durable when workshop where it is first cleft using axe and wedges, and then exposed to the elements. A properly made, cleft chestnut gate with a froe and cleaving brake. A side axe is used for shaping will outlast any tanalised softwood counterpart and does not and then finally the wood is smoothed with a drawknife to make require any treatment. Nature provides the protection from the head, tail, rails and diagonal braces for the gate. The tennons rot with the high levels of tannins that are found in this wood. are cut with saw and chisel, the mortises are drilled out and the I learned many of the skills I use to make gates, lay hedges, and gate is pegged together with seasoned oak pegs. Finally the rails repair dry stone walls during my time as a Devon Rural Skills are clamped to the diagonals using copper boat nails and roves, Trust trainee. Now I find myself passing these skills along. which will not stain the wood. This is wet weather work, when I am confined to the workshop, You can find out more about the training programme, and about snug and warm while the rain lashes downwards and sideways courses we run at www.drst.org.uk. You can see my own work with glee. The green chestnut cleaves with a series of satisfying at ProperEdges.com

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25 dorset mammal group Gardens – the last chance for hedgehogs by Colin Varndell

The hedgehog has been voted Britain’s favourite wild animal, but in spite of this, the species has undergone a catastrophic decline from an estimated 30,000,000 animals in the 1950s to Don’t build bonfires and leave them, as hedgehogs are less than one million today. Reasons for this decline are many attracted to piles of decaying vegetation. If you have a bonfire, and complex, but fragmented habitats have been blamed as a build it and burn it on the same day. major reason, caused on a large scale by arable farming, busy At this time of year, look out for underweight juveniles in

roads, railways and industrial development. autumn. A young hedgehog weighing less than 500 grams now photographer and wildlife DMG researcher Varndell, Image: © Colin The hedgehog is nocturnal and feeds mainly on soil will have little chance of surviving winter. invertebrates. During the night an animal may wander up to a mile Talk to people and spread the word, tell your friends and or more in search of food or a mate. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight neighbours all about the needs of hedgehogs, and teach but good hearing and an excellent sense of smell. They are active children to respect hedgehogs and all wildlife. throughout the summer months. By late autumn, their natural food The Dorset Mammal Group has launched a six-point becomes scarce, so they hibernate from November until April. campaign to help hedgehogs across the county. By educating According to current scientific research, hedgehogs have the public by giving visual talks and presentations, publishing disappeared from much of the UK countryside, and are now information leaflets and by writing articles in the local media. found mainly in towns and villages. Such isolated populations A hedgehog friendly towns and villages project was started are vulnerable and may shrink to become unviable. in 2014 and now has over 25 urban areas signed up. We are Gardens have become the last chance saloon for hedgehogs, keeping pace with latest scientific hedgehog research as and here we can do much to help save this curious, bug- well as conducting our own research into why hedgehogs are munching mammal from sliding into extinction. Allowing access coming into care across Dorset. The DMG maintains a network for hedgehogs into gardens is essential, the gardener benefits of hedgehog rescuers, carers and vets in the county and has by hedgehogs eating pests like slugs, snails and leatherjackets. subsidised 65 delegates to attend the Vale Wildlife Hospital Make a hole in a solid fence or wall around 125mm square to course in care and welfare for hedgehogs. allow hedgehogs to come into your garden. It is not compulsory There are now plans afoot to create a hedgehog hospital in to feed hedgehogs, but offering water is vital, as hedgehogs need Dorset, to take in first referrals. It is hoped that as other county to drink lots. Hedgehogs like to forage both below and above wildlife trusts and mammal groups learn about the Dorset initiative ground, they can seek out earthworm prey at a burial depth of to help hedgehogs, that they too will start similar schemes. 35mm. They will also take invertebrates from dense vegetation, so leaving an area to grow wild would be of great benefit to them. If you would like to know more about the Make a hedgehog house and leave it in a secluded corner of your Dorset Mammal Group Hedgehog Project garden, preferably covered with brushwood and leaf litter. email [email protected]

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26 Large scale solar panel sites by Stags There is a resurgence of interest in large scale photovoltaic (PV) electrical generation in the South West. Mark Neason of Stags Professional Services says… “Several of our clients have been approached by developers who are putting together big sites capable of producing up to 5 megawatts of power”. This typically requires at least 140 acres of land and will involve more than one farmer in the project. part of the scheme”. As with any other form of negotiation, there “I am currently acting for several groups of farmers who have is always an opportunity to enhance the original terms offered. been approached by PV developers on the basis that they will Mark Neason of Stags Professional Services together with rent land for a 30-40 year term for the production and possibly Albert Goodman Accountants and Stephen Scown solicitors are storage of electricity” says Mr Neason. The rents on offer are putting on an informative seminar for landowners who may have much higher than agricultural rents and represent a good been approached by PV developers at lunchtime on Wednesday opportunity for landowners looking to diversify their income. 6th November in Exeter. If you would like to attend this seminar “My job is to negotiate the best terms for the landowners or speak with Mark Neason about any issues relating to solar PV who will assume the role of Landlord. Apart from the rent, I please respond to Stags Professional Services on 01392 439046 negotiate items such as option fees, additional rent for access or by email to [email protected] arrangements, payments for wayleaves so that the solar farm can connect to the grid and extra rent if battery storage is to be www.stags.co.uk

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27 gardening

Pears come ready from late-August, Beth being the earliest. They will store for around a week before other varieties start Planning your orchard to become ready from mid-September such as Onward, Beurre Hardy, Concorde. These varieties have better keeping qualities by Tom Nancarrow, Adam’s Apples Nursery and will store for a month in cool conditions. If you want to extend the pear season, Conference, Comice and Invincible will An important thing to consider when planning a small orchard all keep well through November, with a variety like Winter Nelis is season of use. With the right varieties you can be eating fruit seeing you through Christmas. from your own trees for ten months of the year, from July until When it comes to apples, make regular checks on the early- April in southern regions of the UK. season varieties to review their progress and pick them as they Cherries are the first tree fruit to ripen, from early July. start to fall. Laxton Epicure, George Cave and Baker’s Delicious They have a short season and must be eaten straight from the all start to ripen from mid-August. It is wise not to plant too many tree - if you can get there before the birds! Varieties like Stella, early season varieties or you will be overflowing with apples that Sunburst and Cherokee are all excellent self-fertile varieties won’t keep. The bulk of your apple trees should be mid-season that are easy to grow. and late-season varieties. Mid-season, from late September will Plums are the next fruits to ripen with River’s Early Prolific give you weeks rather than days to enjoy the fruits. ready to pick by late July, the earliest of the plum varieties. Late-season varieties will store for months given the right Others such as Opal, Czar and Victoria will follow though August conditions of cool temperatures and rodent-proofing. Notable before the later season plums and damsons become ripe in varieties are Ashmead’s Kernel, Kidd’s Orange Red, Farmer’s September. Coe’s Golden Drop is one of my favourite early- Glory, as well as cooking apples like Bramley and Annie September plums, and the ever popular Marjorie’s Seedling for Elizabeth. Late-season varieties have by definition been hanging the second half of the month. Like cherries, plums won’t store, on the trees the longest, and with those extra sunshine hours so select two or three trees if you can that will ripen sequentially comes the extra aromatic flavours. from late July until late-September. Damsons are a good choice for more ‘challenging’ sites and will ripen from mid-September. adamsappletrees.co.uk

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28 gardening Ensuring trees last their lifetime by Helen Roberts, Mendip Gardening School

As we approach autumn many gardeners will be thinking of new plants for their gardens in preparation for the growing season and some will be considering planting trees. Tree planting season runs from November to March each year and this is the window to aim for when planting bare root trees. Before rushing off to buy bare root trees in anticipation of tree planting week, which runs from the 23rd of November to the 1st of December, it is important to consider the soil in which the precious specimens will be planted. Too often trees are given unhealthy root conditions in which to grow and this is particularly the case in urban situations. Soil alongside roads, paths and pavements in urban areas is often degraded and it is no surprise that 80% of urban trees will suffer from problems attributed to poor root environments. The amendments as necessary from the start. The ground conditions problems are caused by, for instance, compaction, low nutrients must be right to provide an adequate soil root zone and ensure and invariably, pollution. longevity of the tree. For example, where soils are compacted, The planting solution according to tree experts in the U.S is to they will need to be broken up and compost added. The same not instigate the common horticultural adage of, “right plant, right approach is needed towards existing struggling trees in gardens. place” as this would simply limit the diversity of trees that can be Soil scientists from Sydney Environmental & Soil Laboratory planted. After all, there are not that many trees species that can (SESL) in Australia researching improvements to existing tree tolerate compaction, low nutrients, water stress and pollutants. root zones recommend mulching of root zones to improve the Over the last few years scientists at Morton Arboretum, health of existing trees to a depth of no more than 50mm in Illinois have been investigating a different approach which humid areas and 75mm in dry areas (bearing in mind that these involves the ‘right amendment, right tree’. In other words, the are depths for Australian climates). researchers are looking at ways of amending degraded soils Ultimately, whatever the soil conditions of gardens, to give which will give trees the best chance of surviving in urban soils. trees the best start and subsequently a long life, the conditions This could then lead to novel methods of site preparation and below ground need to be fully understood to ensure healthy increased diversity of trees planted. specimens. No amount of work above ground will fix problems How does this approach to planting of urban trees then relate if the earth beneath the trees is detrimental to its roots. to our own gardens? The approach to planting trees in gardens is to consider the soil conditions of the site and make suitable Visit www.mendipgardeningschool.com

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29 kitchen garden September and October sowing for winter and spring harvests by Steph Hafferty

It’s a busy time at the allotment, gathering the fruitfulness of autumn, making jams and chutneys to store homegrown bounty for the winter to come. Harvests make more space in the beds. Now is a great time for sowing many vegetables for winter and spring cropping. With some protection, there is a surprising amount that can be sown at this time of year. I am sowing: winter lettuce, spring onion, coriander, dill, chervil, parsley, kale (various kinds), spinach, chard, land cress, mustards, oriental greens, quick heading calabrese, spring cabbage, turnip greens, rocket, endive, broccoli raab, pal choi, beetroot for leaves, garlic, carrots (these are ready in April), be happy under homemade or bought cloches too. These can Florence fennel, overwintering peas and potatoes. be made from polythene or a good quality horticultural fleece With the exception of carrots which are direct sown, (look for 25 - 30 gsm weight). The idea is to keep the worst of everything else is sown in modules first and planted out as the weather off: these vegetables don’t mind low temperatures, healthy transplants. This helps to prevent damage from slugs they can freeze and defrost again without harm. Protecting and other pests and also means that the plants can be growing them from heavy rain, hail and wind helps to grow healthy on ready for planting whilst other crops in the allotment beds plants that produce a lot of food. are maturing. Light levels are reducing daily, slowing down There are many different sizes and widths of cloche hoops the growth of seedlings, so you can really reap the benefits of with covers available to buy: good quality ones are a worthwhile having transplants ready to go in the plot at this time of year. investment and should last years. They all benefit from protection from the elements. I grow To make your own cloches, cut MDPE pipe (available from many of these in my polytunnel and greenhouse, but they will builder’s merchants) to size - low plants like lettuce don’t need much height whereas the taller brassicas benefit from 4ft in the middle. Push short lengths of dowel into the ground on either side of the bed, leaving 1 ft out of the ground and push the pipe over the wood, creating a curved cloche hoop. Cover this with the fleece or polythene and weigh down securely with large stones or similar weights, so that they don’t blow away during winter storms! If severe weather is forecast during the winter, check all of your crop protection and gently remove snow from the covers to prevent them from collapsing onto your plants. Potatoes are best grown in pots indoors: try large plant pots, potato sacks or reuse compost sacks with holes poked in for drainage. I start mine in the greenhouse and bring into the house when nighttime temperatures become freezing. They are unlikely to be ready for Christmas but can provide some tasty fresh tubers for meals from January to March. In October and November, direct sow broad beans. These don’t need crop protection but I always grow some in the polytunnel for extra-early spring cropping.

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