Lowland peat farmers workshop
Tue, 12 Sept
|Mere Brow
Paludiculture involves re-wetting previously drained agricultural soils and growing crops which thrive in these wetter conditions. This workshop will explore some of the practical issues around the adoption of wetter farming practices on lowland agri-peat soils.
Time & Location
12 Sept 2023, 09:00 – 13 Sept 2023, 16:00
Mere Brow, 65 The Gravel, Mere Brow, Preston PR4 6JX
About the event
The morning session will involves a number of presentations and activities, followed by an optional afternoon site visit to a local farm based on a drained peatland agriculture model.
Programme:
Date: 12 September 2023
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: Mere Brow Village Hall, 65 The Gravel, Mere Brow, Preston, PR4 6JX
Itinerary
- 9.00am - Welcome
- 9.15am - Local peatland farmer discussing current state of affairs and barriers to restoration/paludiculture uptake
- 9.45am - Lancashire Wildlife Trust presentation on findings on Environment Agency wetter farming feasibility study on Alt Crossens catchment area
- 10.15am - Mick Holding presentation on whole farm assessments carried out in the North West as part of an NCPGS Discovery Grant
- 10.45am - Refreshment break
- 11.00am - Interactive activity: Assessing and identifying area for paludiculture and/nature restoration on a lowland peat farm
- 11.30am - Local peatland farmer discussing how their farm operates on a tenancy basis and future plans for adoption of paludiculture
- 12noon - Sarah Johnson (Lancashire Wildlife Trust) presentation on potential funding/finance options for alternative land management methods for farmed lowland peat
- 12.30pm - Lunch and open discussion session
- 1.30pm - Optional site visit to a local farm based on a drained peatland agriculture model, transport will be provided.
- 4.00pm - Close
Access
The afternoon site visit will be to a working farm and so will involve walking around the site and periods of standing. If anyone has any mobility, or other, requirements please advise upon booking.
Other
Wellies or strong waterproof boots are advised for the afternoon site visit due to potentially wet and uneven ground surface. Please dress for the weather as the site is exposed. Please note that there are no toilet facilities at the farm site. The afternoon site visit is to a working farm so please take extra care around farm machinery and any areas containing livestock. Biting insects may be present, so use of insect repellent is advised.
Any questions?
Please contact bbeggs@lancswt.org.uk