Farming for the Future: The Woodchip Handbook

We were delighted to welcome Ben Raskin, Head of Horticulture and Agroforestry at the Soil Association and author of The Woodchip Handbook, for this talk exploring regenerative, ecological approaches to farming across the UK and beyond.
Ben has written the first and only complete guide to sourcing and using woodchip - an abundant, inexpensive and ecologically sustainable material - for savvy growers and landscapers at any scale and we look forward to delving in detail into the subject on the night.
The book explores and unlocks the tremendous potential of woodchip to enhance soil health and plant growth:
- As a natural mulch for weed suppression, temperature buffering, and water conservation
- As a growing medium for propagating plants
- As a decomposing source of warmth for hotbeds in the greenhouse or hoop house
- As a carbon-rich compost ingredient that supports beneficial fungi and microorganisms
- As a powerful soil health booster, when applied as small-sized ramial chipped wood
- As an ideal substrate for growing many kinds of edible or medicinal mushrooms
- As a sustainable, versatile, and durable material for foot paths and ornamental landscaping
Some of these techniques, like mulching-or the renewable harvest potential from coppicing and pollarding trees-have been around forever. Yet there is always new science to be discovered, such as the role that salicylic acid from willow woodchip can play in preventing tree diseases or promoting livestock health when used as a bedding material.
Whether you are a interested in finding out how you might incorporate woodchip into your own garden or growing space, or a more experienced food producer, do join us on the night to discuss how to get the most out of this readily available and renewable material.
ABOUT FARMING FOR THE FUTURE
A thought-provoking series with leading practitioners in regenerative food and farming, co-hosted by Chelsea Green Publishing UK and Dartington Trust.
The ongoing global pandemic has exposed the frailties and shortcomings of current food production systems and has made it abundantly clear that things cannot go on the way they are. Through in-depth discussions with a number of leading voices in regenerative growing, this unique, inspiring series will show how small-scale farmers, ranchers and growers are working to restore our shared earth.
Participants will come away with action points to create more self-sustaining spaces- be it a garden, a smallholding or farm, as well as having the opportunity to ask questions during each event. The events are hosted by Dr Nathan Einbinder, agroecologist and programme lead on the new undergraduate programme in Regenerative Food and Farming which starts at Schumacher College in September.
The future of regenerative food and farming is here - because what we grow matters.
ABOUT BEN RASKIN
Ben Raskin has worked in horticulture for more than 25 years, developing a wide range of experience both in practical commercial growing and wider policy and advocacy work. As the Soil Association’s Head of Horticulture and Agroforestry, he provides growers at all levels of production with technical, marketing, policy, supply chain and networking support. He is currently implementing a 200-acre silvopastural agroforestry planting in Wiltshire. Ben is the author of several previous books on gardening, including Zero-Waste Gardening (2021), The Community Gardening Handbook (2017) and three volumes of the Grow Together Guides aimed at families with young children: Compost, Grow, and Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies. Additionally, Ben co-chairs the Defra Edibles Horticulture Roundtable and sits on the boards of the Organic Growers Alliance and Community Supported Agriculture Network UK.
Image credit: Ruth Raskin

[@johnmadany9829]

I have a chipper shredder and process local Tamils wood chips for use in my garden and to share with neighbors. I’ve been doing it for years. People bring me branches instead of taking them to a landfill.

[@user-lb8wb4bq5z]

Интересно, смогу ли я поступить в этот колледж?