Organised by Maddy for our Farming Cluster, I accepted late.
I am deliberately early, time to dally – my new mantra – let the eyes land on stories of lives in the homes, I pass. I notice how well the Alebasters trees are growing. Planted 15 years ago along the road side, they are twice my height, and full. Now I notice this.
Turning down Metfield Lane. passed Emily Beenland, how is she, who i now do not see except in a distance at some random event. She who once pointed out to me the tip of a boarder collie tale is invariably white, these shifting moments in conversation remembered, so many more forgotten.
Regrets. Not coming up to see Martin after that last visit, in which he was so alone. Do you know the phrase, Dog in the Manger? David said to me, pointedly. But that time passed, I returned with Michael for a Ukranian evening, and was welcomed by he and Amanda. As he did now
‘I saw you on the list and wondered why?
‘Yes, said Paul out of Landrover window – you could give the tour’!
About 12 of us gather, most fresh to Wakelyns, and David gives us the background. Nice to hear Martin and Ann in the frame.
Wakelyns as Pioneers is a much clearer narrative now. Partly David’s good communication, is outside to inside view and partly time passing, and the establishment of this Agro system. Only 2 in the UK established for over 20 years, more in Europe, now part of a long term study. It strikes me that although acting alone, Martin and Ann were creating in the same era as Knepp – and Pound farm near by. News to me, but ELMS and government guidelines determine that by 2050, 10% of all farms must be to agro forestry.
The question of economic sustainability. It was never set up as a working farm but as a scientific. 54 acres will not work commercially with economies of scale. But it’s influence is vaste – so many have visited here, in Martin’s and David’s time, who have left and re-created. Myself among them.
This is what I take away:
– Lentil the Legume lay – they use not fertiliser but only years of organic crop rotation.
– Hemp is an effective weed suppressor
– YQ Wheat – a metaphore for so many aspects of life. Yield versus Quality.
– Wakelyns had planted vines in between the fruit trees. Yes!
– Success of hazel alleys, as they are coppiced so limited height
– Alleys Wakelyns 12 meters, now the custom is 20 meters. Some have planted 6 meter tree strips.
From Maddie, I understood later, we are from 3 different clusters, Long Melford, Essex and Blyth. Many there had come like me, to farming late in their lives. Two from the city who had bought substantial farms with a view to agro forestry and a more sustainable farming practice. Thorington man, whose wife had created Thorington Theatre, had instigated cobb nut and hazel and apples into a agro forestry system.
I spoke to one of our group, Julian, who was most encouraging regarding my field of thistles and ragwort. It will diminish he said, in his experience, all nature goes in cycles.
A good talk with Maddy about my potential ponds. I must write to her.
Great walk across Wakelyns neighbouring land – a mono culture of same sized wheat not a diversity in site! Delicious tea and cake provided by Hetty, scrumptious.
Kalikellett 