Velwell Orchard, South Hams, Devon

 

Velwell Orchard is nestled in the hills between Buckfastleigh and Dartington in South Devon. Established in 1993, the two acre bio-dynamic holding is lovingly tended by a faithful group of volunteers including babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, and even adults, who work in return for sunshine, fresh air and seasonal veg.

All the produce is shared out and the project is financed by individual voluntary donations on the basis of "take what you need, give what you can".

They are not certified biodynamic as it is very expensive for small scale producers, and because everyone who eats the produce is already aware of how it has been produced as they have helped grow it! The smallholding is however run according to biodynamic practices and principles.

Their aim is to feed, educate and inspire people through a process of continual striving towards the creation of a farm that is sustainable in terms of materials, energy and money.

        

The group are coordinated by young grower Jeremy Weiss, who has been involved since his days at the local Steiner School. Pupils of his former school come to work on site too, helping with seasonal tasks.  Other volunteers meet on site twice a week, sharing in all aspects of the work. For more information about Velwell Farm, contact Jeremy on velwellorchard@yahoo.co.uk.

  

Jeremy is experimenting with different hedges on the property, combining fruit bushes with colourful flowers, herbs and strawberry crops.  When asked how he keeps on top of snails, Jeremy pointed to the ducks on site – eager for hidden treats! While the soil is very fine with little clay content, Jeremy is always actively observing the land, seeking to grow what will work best. 

Biodynamic farming began in 1924, inspired by Rudolf Steiner (most famous for his educational philosophy now taught in Steiner Schools internationally).  It is practised in at least 40 countries and all climatic zones.  Fundamental to biodynamic growing is the recognition that all life is inter-connected.  Instead of feeding the soil with nutrients, the biodynamic gardener aims to bring such life and vitality to the soil that the plants respond with vigour.  The intention is to care and cherish the soil and all beings connected to it.

Compost and ‘preparations’ are key to this.  The preparations are made with 6 commonly known plants – yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion and valerian.  Their specific properties are enhanced through fermentation.  These are then added to the composting material to act at catalysts for healthy growth. 

Companion planting is also practiced – where careful attention to growing certain combinations of plants helps protect plants from pests and diseases, attracts beneficial insects and promotes healthy growth overall.  A specific planting calendar is also prepared for the calendar year, relating to the four elements – earth, air, fire and water – depending on where the moon is according to the zodiac.  For example, just as tides are guided by the moon’s gravitational pull, water in plants and the soil are affected by this, and other cycles.  Accordingly, some days are highlighted on the calendar as better for sowing, cultivating or harvesting.

Velwell is adjacent to Cholwell Farm, a 10 acre biodynamic holding of grasslands, veg gardens, woodlands and fruit orchards.  The farm is self-sufficient in fodder for a small herd of Jersey cows.  Together the farms prepare many of the ‘preparations’ used in biodynamic farming for the Devon Biodynamic community.

More information about BD Farming can be found at www.biodynamic.org.uk