RED HOUSE PROJECT
OUR GOAL
We want to demonstrate that by using an agroforestry system including trees, sheep and perennial plants, that we can produce a higher yield of food, animal feed, fibres, fuel and medicine than conventional farming whilst building soil and increasing biodiversity. This will be done without the high input and C02 emission costs of conventional agriculture. This is intensive agriculture with a difference.
The Land
17 acres
Currently a mix of neglected pasture, woodland and scrub. The woodland consists of manly Oak and silver birch. As the field has had little management apart from horses grazing there are several self seeded areas of mature willow and brambles.
100 metres elevation
To the west of the Brecon beacons national park
West facing slope
Unsuitable for grain production
Most land in the area used for grazing sheep with little habitat and biodiversity for wildlife
Sheep
We use a low input breed called Exlana for:
Weed control
Build soil
Producing protein and fat
Agroforestry
Using trees to:
Regenerate the soil
Produce Carbohydrates, fats and proteins
Animal feed
Fuels
Fibres
Medicine
Annual vegetables
We use several no dig systems to grow vegetables. We hope to move our diet to eating more perennials as the project matures.
Perennials
We use low input perennials to feed ourselves as well as our animals. These range from perennial vegetables like Tautan dean kale to fruit canes and bushes.
The 5 principles of regenerative agriculture
1. Don’t disturb the soil.
Soil supports a complex network of worm-holes, fungal hyphae and a labyrinth of microscopic air pockets surrounded by aggregates of soil particles. Disturbing this, by ploughing or heavy doses of fertiliser or sprays will set the system back.
2. Keep the soil surface covered.
The impact of rain drops or burning rays of sun or frost can all harm the soil. A duvet of growing crops, or plant residues, will protect it.
3. Keep living roots in the soil.
When growing annual plants this is hard to do but living roots in the soil are vital for feeding the creatures at the base of the soil food web; the bacteria and fungi that provide food for the protozoa, arthropods and higher creatures further up the chain. They also keep mycorrhizal fungi alive and thriving and these symbionts are vital for nourishing most plants and will thus provide a free fertilising and watering service for crops.
4. Grow a diverse range of crops.
Ideally at the same time, like in a meadow. Mono cultures do not happen in nature and our soil creatures thrive on variety. Companion cropping (two crops are grown at once and separated after harvest) can be successful. We grown a mix of perennials together to ensure diversity. We are also working to bring more diversity to our pasture in between the trees.
5. Bring grazing animals back to the land.
We use sheep and chicken for feeding the soil and when you add the benefit of mob-grazing, it supercharges the impact on the soil.
Interested? Look at our course page to come and learn how.
Email will@redhouseproject.co.uk