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.
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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.