Our Achievements so far...

Since moving to Higher Barn Farm in July 2020 our achievements have included:

establishing With the Wild CIC (see details on previous page)
undertaking training and research in agroecology, permaculture, agroforestry and field to fork processes including researching and training in sourdough baking and fermentation
creating a holistic farm plan based on permaculture principles
sowing a deep rooting green manure mix across the entire site to “kick start” the regeneration of the soil
planting about 600 trees as hedging/shelter belt

establishing a community no-dig market garden; integrating agroforestry rows of hazel, elder and cobnuts and producing a wide range of organic vegetables for the local community - sold in collaboration with Roadwater Community Shop
installing a sustainable irrigation system including a 5400l rainwater harvesting tank (part of FiPL project EX023)
installing stock-proof fencing to protect new woodlands and to enable rotational grazing (part of FiPL project EX023)

planting a further 2500 trees through the Woodland Trust More Trees programme - for wildlife, edible fruits/nuts and timber
planting 40 fruit trees (part of FiPL project EX023) and 18 walnut trees to commence planting of agroforestry rows in “Walnut Fields”
planting 400 hazel trees (part of FiPL project EX023) in conjunction with the provision of a series of community workshops providing an introduction to the principles and examples of agroforestry

creating a fenced off fruit tree orchard which also houses hens (in a mobile home-constructed henhouse) and geese
starting establishing a wildflower meadow (with support from ENPA meadows “Sowing the Seeds” scheme)
undertaking grain trials in YQ, rye and heritage wheat varieties and collaborating with neighbouring farmers to grow, mill and bake ecological heritage grains in conjunction with South West Grain Network

constructing prototype bicycle thresher and undertaking trials in no/min till wheat sowing methods
establishing connections, collaborations and friendships with other farms and farmer
designing and constructing a compost toilet
designing and commencing planting of two food forest areas
hosting a number of educational access and community visits including participating in Somerset Food Trail
erecting a small polytunnel, glasshouse and fruit cage

visiting local primary schools and providing sessions on the relationship between soil and human health and a series of “Taste Ed” sessions (part of FiPL project EX023)
Purchasing first livestock: 5 x Exmoor Horn Sheep; 5 x Kune Kune Pigs; Hens, Geese and 2 x bee hives
Providing a series of Summer Children’s Workshops - nature based crafts, wildlife exploration and cooking with fresh produce from the market garden (part of FiPL project EX023)

Plans for 2025

We have some exciting plans for at the farm over the coming year...

Infastructure & Tree Planting

Fundraising for and construction of Polytunnels
Construction of composting bayS & market garden no dig beds
Ordering trees, materials and equipment
Tree planting in zones 2 & 3
Fencing, gates and water infastructure

Farm Events & Activites

Farmer training
School visits during Spring and Summer 2025
Permaculture Design Groups
Summer Kids Workshops
Community Events

With the Wild Education Centre & Cookery School

Building design and specificationwill begin in November 2024
Technical design on the building
Tender and Costings
Funding applications
Construction is planned for November 2026

Wildflower meadows & Livestock

Our wildflower meadows will increase with the help of the ENPA "Sowing the Seeds" project.
Conservation grazing Exmoor ponies & sheep join the farm
Layer hens, sheep & pigs increase.
Roe Deer conservation management

Proposed New Polytunnels for February 2025

to provide year-round, organic food for the local community - with low food miles and reduced carbon emissions - provided to the local community in collaboration with Roadwater Community Shop;
to provide a controllable environment for growing food, enabling reliable production in changing climate conditions, and thereby increasing the resilience of With the Wild CIC as a sustainable community interest company;
to enhance the provision of educational opportunities on the farm by providing additional sheltered learning space; &
to increase the production of fresh produce which is taken into local schools as part of the With the Wild Food & Farming Outreach Education programme including sensory food education that delivers the National Food Strategy recommendations.

Proposed Compost Bays for March 2025

Our planned new and improved Compost Bays will enable us to manage waste simply, quickly and efficiently giving us a steady supply of rich organic compost enabling our enhanced Market Garden to thrive in nutrient dense soil.

Thank you

We are so grateful for all the support from the community to help develop this vital local project. To find out more and keep up to date please click below to sign up for updates from the farm.

info@withthewild.co.uk

With the Wild CIC is registered in England Company registration number 14030416
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