Home  


Our agroecology values




We are guided by the 13 principles of Agroecology, see below how we work towards these:

1. Recycling

  • Incorporate the design and development of effective closed loop systems in the garden whilst reusing and recycling as many materials as possible.
  • Avoid crop and food waste with crops sold and excess sent to food hubs.
  • Our green waste is managed using bokashi, vermiculture (worm farming), and other forms of composting.
  • The use of new timber is kept to a minimum with timber reused or sourced second hand.

2. Input reduction

  • Make our own grown, low impact, feed inputs including worm compost, plant teas, and other amendments.
  • Continuously work to prioritise and improve rainwater harvesting as our main water source.
  • We are strictly opposed to the use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, poisons, bleaches or any other damaging agricultural chemicals.
  • No product such as RoundUp! (glyphosate) or synthetic fertiliser such as MiracleGro is used or can be on site.
  • We promote ‘chemical free’ horticulture approaches to growing including biodynamics, organic farming, no-dig, and agroecology.
  • Hose pipes are used to fill water butts and other water storage tanks if needed, rather than sprayed directly onto garden beds. 

3. Soil health

  • We recognise that healthy soil plays a fundamental role in the health of ecosystems, nutrient density of crops, and therefore the health of people.
  • Composting and organic amendments help our soils instead of synthetic fertilisers.
  • We take a no dig approach to minimise disturbance to microbial life including mycorrhizal networks; restoring and creating healthy soil.
  • Any external input of compost, manure, or other organic matter must be peat free, organic, or from a reliable source and checked for aminopyralid contamination. 

4. Animal health

  • The garden supports local bird populations and respects nesting sites, whilst working to encourage other local wildlife on site.
  • Natural pest control methods minimise harm to all wildlife.
  • We are strictly opposed to the use of slug pellets, rat poisons, or any similar product that affects wildlife.

5. Biodiversity


  • Our activities support and promote biodiverse ecosystems predominately through cultivating a diverse range of plants.
  • We work to maintain seed and crop diversity, recognising this as a fundamental for food sovereignty. 
  • The seeds and plants we source are agroecologically produced; no seed is sourced from agrochemical owned seed companies; all seed is sourced from UK based producers or seed libraries. 
  • We are strictly opposed to the use of gene-editing and other forms of genetic modification.
  • The garden is designed to encourage beneficial insects and interactions for natural pest control, including establishing habitat areas.
  • No invasive plant or wildlife species should ever be planted or released in the garden.
  • The use of heavy machinery is avoided and kept to a minimum, with clearing done by hand to protect the land and wildlife in it.

6. Synergy

  • We will explore ways to enhance positive ecological interactions between all elements of agroecology.
  • We recognise the importance of working in partnership; collaboratively, cooperatively, and responsibly.
  • We encourage collaborative projects and initiatives between each other, and share resources or expertise.

7. Economic diversification

  • Through diversifying income streams, the garden will have greater financial independence from grant funding. 
  • Income diversification creates long term sustainability for the garden, alongside opportunities for others (both voluntarily and paid).
  • We will support local markets and food system developments to enhance both the local and national economy.

8. Co-creation of knowledge

  • Facilitation of regular knowledge sharing experiences for communities (this includes our local community, and regional or national networks).
  • We will promote and support concepts, methods, businesses, organisations and individuals related to agroecology, food sovereignty, organics, biodynamic farming, permaculture, circular economy, and human rights.

9. Social values and diets

  • We are committed to building a better local food system in both our locality and within larger networks (see 11. Connectivity).
  • We grow fresh food that is healthy, diverse, seasonal, and identify crops that could be of local cultural importance.
  • Our long term vision is to create space for communal meals.

10. Fairness

  • Ensure fair and equitable use of, and access to, the garden.
  • We support the development of dignified livelihoods for all landworkers and those who work in the food system globally.
  • Any money raised is never banked or invested with companies that have holdings in arms and defence, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, etc.
  • We do not seek funding from donors listed on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions list, or any organisation that does not align with our values.
  • We do not shop with Amazon, agrochemical companies, fast food companies and any company listed on BDS.

11. Connectivity

  • A key priority for us is to actively develop short food chains in our region; helping small and local economies whilst building relationships.
  • We seek collaboration with others who hold a shared vision for agroecological food systems.
  • We recognise that we are working as part of a greater network of agroecological landworkers, growers, farmers, educators and activists to help create a resilient food system.

12. Land and natural resource governance

  • We support the interests of food producers and guardians of natural resources worldwide, and source our materials in line with this ethos (see 10. Fairness).
  • Clear guidelines for the use of the communal space and resources are established.

13. Participation

  • Our aim is to foster community and collaboration in the area.
  • We will support the project’s evolution based on feedback.
  • Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to contribute their thoughts and ideas; working together to recognise and celebrate our wonderful villages, communities, and shared garden space.


Home


© 2024