Fferm Henbant Bach - Project Introduction
Agroforestry, the practice of growing crops and trees together, is accepted as an integrated approach to sustainable land use worldwide. In Wales, agroforestry is recognised as an opportunity for sustainable intensification of farmland designed to improve productivity, therefore, reducing environmental impact and mitigating the effects of climate change, which is high on the current political agenda.
Henbant is a 31 hectare (80 acres) small farm in north west Wales. It is located two miles from the coast to the west and only a few miles from the mountains of Snowdonia to the east. The land begins at 80m and rises up the slope of Bwlch Mawr to a height of 120m. It is principly north facing, but has a variety of aspects. The main soil is a sandy loam over gravel.
The project will involve a no-dig, bio-intensive, ecological approach using the principles of permaculture to have multi-layered growing. An agroforestry approach to food production not only adds the advantages of sustainable land use, but also contributes to animal health and carbon sequestration. Trees can modify temperature and wind speed with benefits for animal welfare, providing shelter and fodder. Agroforestry systems are believed to have a higher potential to sequester carbon because of their perceived ability for greater capture and use of light, nutrients and water than single-species crop systems.
Introducing top and soft fruit agroforestry lanes amongst both holistically managed pasture and a new bio-intensive no-dig market garden is an approach to diversifying and creating resilience on a small farm.
Key Performance Indicators Set:
To explore any benefits in plant establishment, vigour and growth as a result of the multi layered growing.
To provide knowledge on any additional benefits from the agroforestry approach such as better protected plants and increased animal fodder.
- Soil organic matter (through analysing soil nutrition/soil testing, NMP)
- Biodiversity i.e. soil life, insects, birds
- Profitability
- Time and cost input
- Community engagement
To provide knowledge relating to:
- Profitable business - looking to increased employment
- Increased biodiversity – soil life, insect, birds
- Increased soil building/ soil sequestration
- Reduced reliance on bought in inputs
- Increased community engagement
Timeline and Milestones:
2019
December - Receive advice on field layouts and top fruit species.
2020
January - Receive advice on soft fruit and under-story. Planting of top lanes. Soil testing. Receive advice on vegetable planting plan.
February - Prepare compost and paths for market garden. Fencing of top fruit and planting of under-story. Planting of top fruit in market garden. Planting of browse tree-lanes.
March - Vegetable production starts. Possible erection of second polytunnel. Soil testing of beds post amendments.
April - Start growing
May - Growing and grazing
June - Begin box shares.
July - Review project to date and prepare for open day.
August - Project delivery and open day.
September - Project end