Sixteen members signed up for the FarmEd walk before the Club’s 60th birthday lunch on 3 August. We learned a great deal from Danielle, our walk leader, who gave us a short introduction about the aims of the not-for-profit organisation at Honeydale Farm, ie “to inspire, educate and connect people to build sustainable farming and food systems that nourish people and regenerate the planet”.
We looked at the soil from two different fields of wheat, one grown traditionally, and one with a heritage crop that had been grown without fertilisers or other inputs; Roger Newman told us about the small Cotswold Stone wall built by volunteers, and we saw many beautiful wild flowers growing nearby, such as Wild Carrot and Chicory. One of the fields was full of lovely sunflowers and rows of trees have been planted between the fields to provide shade.
So much to learn, lots of questions and not enough time because lunch was waiting! Fascinating and hopeful for all of us who care about the planet.
Maggie Collins 9 August 2023
WEST OXFORDSHIRE FIELD CLUB 