We are delighted to be taking part in the Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024
Our farm
Our farm land is an area of 28 acres which we purchased in 2009. We rent the land to a local organic farmer who grazes sheep and cows. As well as growing fruit and nuts for our own use and harvesting timber for fuel, our aim is to increase biodiversity and sequester carbon by planting trees and hedges – with the added benefits of shade and shelter for livestock.
Our agroforestry
We began by planting a small orchard in 2009 with a mixed variety of 20 fruit trees and soft fruit (Audrey’s Orchard). After studying permaculture, we now manage this as a forest garden.
With family and friends we planted a memorial woodland in 2010 of 30 trees, a mix of native and non-native trees; grazing takes place around these (John’s Wood).
We have had surveys completed by Avon Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and local ecologist which have provided valuable advice to ensure we manage the land sensitively and that any planting is ‘the right tree in the right place’. Over the years we have (and will continue to) plant native trees such as oak, sweet chestnut and field maple – individually fenced off and therefore grazed around.
In early 2020 we planted 150 trees including alder, hazel, willow and sweet chestnut, primarily for coppicing; this area has been fenced off so no longer grazed (Shady Nook Wood). To increase biodiversity there is also juniper, dogwood, rowan, birch, elder, holly, crab apple. As part of managing the brambles and blackthorn we have created a dead hedge which provides a valuable wildlife habitat.
We planted 6 walnuts trees in 2022 (Pop’s Grove). These are individually fenced and grazing takes place around the trees.
In early 2023 a 400m hedge was laid. We are taking timber from here for firewood and chipping the brash to use for mulching around trees and hedges as well as future use as a compost/ soil improver. We also planted a dozen fruit trees that the local Council had going spare so we now have our second small orchard.
In 2023 we fenced off an acre of land for natural regeneration as a low input method of increasing woodland cover (Wild Wood). A small area near the orchard is being set aside for a local craftsperson to grow willow. In late 2023 we planted a 200m hedge of mixed native species with trees.
We are very excited with works that have just been completed by BART – Bristol Avon Rivers Trust – who have put in scrapes and wooden debris to slow the flow from a winter spring. This will reduce soil erosion, reduce impact on the stream flowing into the Cam and provide a more diverse habitat with a seasonal wetland area.
Here are some photos of what we do:
how to find us
Our address – ‘Little Blew’, Cameley Hill, Temple Cloud, Bristol. BS39 5AJ. There is no dwelling so the postcode doesn’t take you directly there. Please use: What3Words https://w3w.co/snuck.softly.evoked Google maps –https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Cameley,+Temple+Cloud,+Bristol+BS39+5AJ/@51.3146657,-2.5808214,168m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x487227572793e697:0xe8d049e28549efb9!8m2!3d51.3161849!4d-2.5737223?hl=en
agroforestry open weekend 2024
Over Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024 we will be open as follows: Friday 17th May 10.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday 18th May 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday 19th May 1.00pm – 6.00pm
Monday 20th May 10am – 4.00pm
please Book ahead
By contacting Helen on 07758584953 or helen.jacksonbrown@gmail.com
facilities/refreshments
Hot and cold drinks will be available with cake and biscuits.
We have a compost toilet on site which has 2 steps up to it.
parking/access
Parking is in the layby or in the field; there is no hard standing and the entrance to the field is on a slope.
We do not have any vehicle tracks, hard standing or paved areas; apologies, it is unfortunately not easily accessible for people with mobility needs.
There is additional parking at Hinton Blewett Village Green opposite the Ring o Bells Pub (BS39 5AN) 10 minutes walk away: what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location
dogs
Dogs on leads welcome; please clear up after your dog and take the waste away.
disability access
Parking – We do not have any vehicle tracks, hard standing or paved areas.
Accessibility – apologies, unfortunately the site is not easily accessible for people with mobility needs.
more information?
Please contact Helen for more information on 07758584953 helen.jacksonbrown@gmail.com
We very much look forward to seeing you.
Information about Little Blew can be found on the ‘Chew Valley Plants Trees’ website: https://www.chewvalleyplantstrees.co.uk/what-we-do#ourprojects https://www.chewvalleyplantstrees.co.uk/
Here are some links and useful information about agroforestry:
‘Agroforestry is a new term to some people, but it is a very old practice. People have of course been using trees in agriculture for thousands of years and the history of the UK is full of agroforestry’ – Land Workers Alliance.
Agroforestry
Agroforestry: a win-win for the future of farming? | Friends of the Earth
Promise_of_agroforestry_web_pageview.pdf (landworkersalliance.org.uk)
The England Trees Action Plan (squarespace.com)
Hedges
Britains-hedges-need-to-grow-up-002-Colin-Clutterbuck-July-2022.pdf (hedgelink.org.uk)
30_complete_good_hedge_management_guide_leaflet.pdf (hedgelink.org.uk)
National Hedgerow Week 2022 – Celebrate hedgerows this autumn. (hedgelink.org.uk)
The Real Hedge Fund – Why Farmers Love Hedges – YouTube
Top tips for managing hedgerows – People’s Trust for Endangered Species (ptes.org)
Dead Hedges
Dead hedging : wildlife friendly and people guiding. (woodlands.co.uk)
Forest Gardens
Orchard biodiversity tips – People’s Trust for Endangered Species (ptes.org)
Forest Gardening – The Agroforestry Research Trust
Natural Regeneration
Natural Regeneration: Expanding Tree Cover – Woodland Trust
Agroforestry and using woodchip to improve soil health | Agricology
Take a look