Field diary
Everyone is smiling in the fields at the moment, even if it is as we run frantically from one job to the next! We've been playing catch up after the late start to the spring and we have patiently been waiting for the land to dry out after the winter deluges.Since our last update we have been flat out getting the first of this year’s crops planted, including new potatoes main crop potatoes, broad beans, lettuces, spring greens, cauliflower, beetroot, spinach, chard.
While planting has been getting underway, the propagation tunnel where we raise our young crops, has been a hive of activity with John, our Assistant Grower, getting stuck into vast amounts of seed sowing.
Tending young plants at the moment is a challenge. With reasonably high daytime temperatures and close to freezing night time temperatures, watering and hardening off has to be skilfully attended to.
Harvesting continues through the 'hungry gap' with purple sprouting broccoli and rhubarb. At time of writing, the first of the Asparagus has just started breaking the surface - always a sign that spring is well and truly here.
We have welcomed a number of new faces to the field team recently including a team of trainees: Carl, John, Neill, Anna and Ahmed, under the leadership of Becky. This is a welcome increase in workforce at the this time of year.
We have also welcomed our new position of Community Farmer, filled by Ian Sumpter. His role is to be a dedicated leader and liaison for all matters to do with volunteering.
In short, it is all go in the fields at the moment! We would encourage you all to come out to the farm to volunteer, to meet some of the new faces and help us to get the season off to a great start.
Come along and volunteer
With so much to do at this time of year, the Farm staff would love to welcome more volunteers. Volunteering provides a fantastic opportunity to learn about vegetable growing, get some exercise, meet new people or simply to enjoy the delightful location overlooking Chew Lake.On Saturday 26th April, The Farm will be holding a Community Farmer Day. This is a volunteering event where people of all ages and walks of life come along for a fun day out weeding, planting, tending or harvesting. This is the first of a number of Community Farmer Days due to be held throughout the year.
The Community Farm also has opportunities to volunteer on a regular basis on weekdays. The Farm now has a 'Community Farmer' who will be dedicated to looking after all volunteers.
Click here for more information on volunteering
