This farm walk and workshop is hosted by Richard Park who manages a 341 acre organic dairy farm in south Cumbria and is using herbal leys. There will be lots of time for discussion on herbal leys/diverse swards, the field lab trials and how to monitor species in your sward. Kate Gascoyne (The Farmer Network) will facilitate the day and speakers include Richard Park (Low Sizergh Farm) and Dr Lisa Norton (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).
10am Arrive, coffee & tea
10:45 - 12:15 Start, intro to Innovative Farmers 'field labs' and discussions on herbal leys
12:15 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 14:30 Farm walk
The event is supported by Innovative Farmers and the Farmer Network. Attendance is free.
341 acres in total, Low Sizergh Farm near Kendal is home to a cross bred dairy herd of Holsteins, Swedish Reds and Montbeliardes, 700 hens, and a flock of 200 Swaledale and Mule sheep. Richard is a National Trust Tenant farmer. Both productivity and animal welfare have been prioritised at the farm, and the their practice of holistic planned grazing stimulates the natural behaviour of herds to help improve wildlife habitats, land condition and water management.
