Friends of the Earth visit and an update for the end of March

So happy to entertain the local FOE group onto the plot. Friday being a great day (again) and needing interest from all groups and individuals I realise the wonderful influence such a project may have. Getting the word out that there is a better way to look at this world is really rewarding and there is so little any one, single, individual can do on their own.

With summer moving in straight from last autumn with little winter nor spring the high temperatures mean all manner of bees and insects are active. As part of the pollinator survey we would hope to identify them all a little better this year. My bee-keeping course at Bromley BKA helps in so many ways as it is an inspiring experience.

Aphids have been active too. Bit weird to see them in March. That would explain the mass of ladybirds that have been about for weeks now.

The membership flyer is now on hold until a better format is thought-through. Getting the right message across is a necessary part of the strategy as it could easily lose impact and worse still be misunderstood. The line we are moving towards is one of action (eat, buy, donate and join) rather than simply awareness of fresh veg. Saying that I am constantly reminded of the education element of Community Supported Agriculture and, for me, the way this comes back to 're-education' as so many people of older generations have been sucked up by consumerism into the 'safe' and comfortable world of supermarkets and out of town mega centres. This is clearly a bit of false confidence as the horse meat scandal exhibits.

I've had a chance to set-up a few Flowforms which really makes the place alive. I look forward to our first water workshop perhaps later this year.

For anyone who may not know Flowforms are a stunning way to add vortex movement to liquids. This has oxygenating benefits but is has wider scope for general water quality and improving the 'life-giving' capacity of water. They are used in Bio-dynamics for stirring 'Preparations' and may have wider applications, some I hope to explore with hens, the carbon cooler and more.

Potatoes are going in, roughly 500 metres (that is 4 100 metre rows and 2 other beds of 30 metres). Enough to feed about 40 boxes a week by my calculation.

This week will be the last of the Broccoli which has been a fab crop. Shame to have to compost the last two crates but as it is a trial crop it had to be picked with or without people to eat it.

On that we may be able to start a regular local stall each Saturday down at Alyesford. It'll be whatever is in season plus a few of the old tools to fund-raise.

As a prompt please do check out the crowd fund for the network. Community Supported Agriculture needs you! As a start to forming a nation wide strategy the Soil Association have started a fund and are asking for any pledge to get it off the ground. www.buzzbnk.org/CSANetwork is the way to find out more.

or go direct to www.communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/

the fund has been opened by

Community Supported Agriculture Network UKSouth Plaza, Marlborough Street
Bristol, Avon
BS1 3NX, UNITED KINGDOM

contact Rachel Harries
csanetworkuk@gmail.com
0117 987 4601

Also two courses for keen market gardeners and sustainability. More will follow.

pollinators simply get in the way - new fruit orchards that require zero pollinators

NEW VARIETIES THREATEN POLLINATORS

While at my local beekeeper lecture I was told that there are now new fruit orchards that require zero pollinators and, more alarmingly, they are actively discouraged as modern orchards prefer to spray when they want, pollinators simply get in the way.

This means that any pollinator active in an orchard at the most important flowering time will get zapped by the spray insecticide, fungicide or cocktail when they are busy doing what bees do best. Carrying the spray back to the hive and so contaminating the brood. 

crowd fund for the new CSA Network UK

I’m Rupert Dunn, one of the founders of the new CSA Network UK, and I want to update you on our progress. At our launch in December, 120 people came and showed their support for the vision; and now we are raising the money to make it happen. We aim to raise a total of £21,140 with our first milestone of £6,500 which we need to hit or we get nothing! Scary! But we've already raised over £2,000 thanks to some amazing support. Visit www.buzzbnk.org/CSANetwork to add your voice. So why have I joined the UK CSA board? Well, since founding Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture www.coca-csa.org four years ago with a fantastic group of people, I’ve seen the value and benefits of CSA, and I've learned more than I could have hoped about a whole raft of topics, but not least about myself. I have also seen how difficult it can be to get a CSA initiative on its feet, and how much it demands of people despite the benefits. That’s why I support the new CSA Network UK. I can see that we will be much stronger as a movement by working together, and by having an independent voice. I recently returned from the European CSA gathering in France. We were 90 people from 14 different countries changing our food system to one based on sustainability and solidarity. The power of us all coming together at that gathering and acting in common cause was immense. That's me cutting the bread at the European CSA gathering! The power we can create by coming together under the CSA Network UK, can be just as important. We are the people changing the UK food system on a practical level.  To be successful however, we need to back and own our own movement. That means as many CSA projects and people who support it signing up to the network. So, if we raise our first £6,500, it will be thanks to you and that milestone will demonstrate a practical commitment which will spur our movement on to what we hope will be a powerful force for change. If you would like to read more about our common viewpoint, please read the UK CSA charter, available here. I do hope you join me in supporting the new CSA Network UK www.buzzbnk.org/CSANetwork. Very best wishes, Rupert Dunn

So if you share our vision, here’s what you can do: •    JOIN as a CSA member. You will be the members that really steer the co-op. •    JOIN as an individual at £25 or more. •    PROMOTE the campaign. Tell your friends via facebook, twitter, word of mouth and email. Facebook Twitter Website

Copyright © 2014 CSA Network UK, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have signed up to receive information about community supported agriculture. Our mailing address is: CSA Network UK South Plaza Bristol, Bst BS1 3NX United Kingdom

The Community Farm, near Bristol - nominated for Outstanding Farmer of the Year

Community Supported Farming makes it to the finalists of this years BBC FOOD AND FARMING AWARDS

Outstanding Farmer of the Year

A farmer, young or old, male or female, livestock or arable who has made an outstanding contribution to farming with cutting edge thinking and creative ideas.

Luke Hasell (Bristol)

Luke manages a farming enterprise close to Bristol over 500 acres as well as The Story Group Ltd specialising in providing organic food direct to the public. He started The Community Farm which is a volunteer led operation educating people from Bristol & Bath about where their food comes from, traceability and food production.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03nycpj/profiles/outstanding-farmer-of-the-year

couple of good jobs.... The London Honey Company and Organic Veg Box Marketing & Events Assistant at Woodlands Farm

Office and Production Manager

Organisation:	The London Honey Company
Salary:	Dependent on Experience
Location:	Bermondsey, London
Hours:	Part Time
Position type:	Paid
Contract:	Permanent
Closing date:	Fri 14 March 14
Website:	www.thelondonhoneycompany.co.uk
Contact name:	Steve Benbow
Contact telephone:	02073947072
Contact email:	steve@thelondonhoneycompany.co.uk

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Hours: 24 hours p/w

Start Date: 1st April – 14th April

About the London Honey Company

Founded over fifteen years ago when Steve Benbow started keeping bees on the roof of his ex-council block near Tower Bridge, the London Honey Company are purveyors of fine honeys both from our own hives, scattered around London and the UK, but also from a selection of beekeepers who, like us, choose to produce from more unusual nectar sources.

We sell artisan honey to high profile and quality establishments such as Fortnum and Mason, Harrods, The Savoy, Heston Blumenthal’s the Fat Duck, Angela Hartnett’s Café Murano, La Fromagerie and many other valued customers. In addition Steve and the team provide training for beekeepers and businesses and manage beehives for clients in the capital and across England.

Eight years ago Steve became bee-master to Fortnum and Mason, managing 4 ornate hives on the roof of their store in Piccadilly and today we now service hives for The National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern and Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum and a variety of other commercial clients and their honey is sold exclusively within their stores.

Increasingly the company is concerned with the wider problems faced by pollinators. The London Honey Company is increasing its education work and projects to highlight things we can all do to help pollinators.

This is an exciting time to join the company as we are growing fast and planning a move into a specially fitted new larger warehouse.

The Office and Production Manager is a varied and challenging role with great potential to grow with the company in the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Innovate to improve company work practices and identify new opportunities keeping the company authentic, delicious, fresh and fun. 
• To drive honey sales through customer communications, responding to sales enquiries and disseminating product information. 
• To maintain office and warehouse records including honey stock, production, sales, course bookings etc.
• Monitor business finance including bank transactions, outstanding sales invoices and purchase invoices. Contribute to financial forecasts and reports. Make authorised payments.
• Prepare accounts to be reconciled by the accountant, assist the accountant in preparing the quarterly VAT returns and the closing of end of year accounts.
• Manage office and warehouse supplies.
• Manage company post and emails. 
• Prepare sales paperwork and arrange the delivery of orders.
• Oversee warehouse production and staff in Steve Benbow’s absence: bottling of honey, cutting of comb, labeling and packing of honey orders.
• Collaborate with clients and colleagues, including designers, on the development of new products both under the London Honey Company brand and white-label products (products sold under other brand names).

Other responsibilities and opportunities:

• Update the company blog.
• Attend and work events such as festivals, honey tastings and shows.
• Assist with beekeeping.
• Honey processing and packing.
• Assist with beekeeping courses.
• Assist in managing hive servicing contracts including site assessments, attending client meetings and maintaining client contact.

http://www.environmentjob.co.uk/job/48970-office-and-production-manager

Organic Veg Box Marketing & Events Assistant

Organisation:	Woodlands Organic Farm
Salary:	c.£15,000 pa
Location:	Kirton, near Boston
Hours:	Full Time
Position type:	Paid
Contract:	Fixed Term Contract
Closing date:	Sun 16 March 14
Website:	www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk
Contact name:	Karl
Contact telephone:	01205724778
Contact email:	karl@woodlandsfarm.co.uk

---

We are seeking an outgoing person with eloquent verbal and written communication skills. You must be passionate about parsnips, vivacious about vegetables and creative with crudités.

In this newly created position you will play a key role in developing and expanding our successful box scheme and the Woodlands Farm brand. You will help to build relationships with new customers face-to-face through events such as county shows and in businesses through healthy living and green days. You will help to develop a positive dialogue with existing customers via social media, e-newsletters, farm events and via the phone.

About The Box Scheme
We set up our Box Scheme as a pilot project in 2000, our idea being to supply people living locally with fresh, affordable organic produce. This is still our aim today. We grow, pick, pack and deliver 85% of the vegetables ourselves. More recently we’ve added our own fruit and meat (beef, lamb, pork and turkeys) to our range, together with eggs and numerous other items such as chickens, pasta and breakfast cereals. We also include flowers and even poems written and inspired by life on the farm. It’s hard work but very rewarding to have such a direct link with our customers. So much more satisfying than supplying large retailers.

The Box Scheme has been a wonderful source of employment. At a time when jobs have been lost in farming it has created around 15 full-time positions at Woodlands. It has also helped foster what might be called a family atmosphere on the farm. I often think these are consequences of moving away from a farming system based on quantitative values to qualitative ones.

At the heart of the Box Scheme is a wish to reconnect people with the land and to foster affection for it. You see the raw beauty of a field or the whisker of a hare and you want to celebrate them. I like to feel our boxes carry the signature of such momentous things as well as food we can all enjoy.

The Farm
Woodlands Farm lies on the fertile Lincolnshire fens in an area known as South Holland. Situated five miles south-east of Boston the farm consists of level silt fields which were reclaimed from the sea by the monks of Crowland Abbey some nine hundred years ago. This is a landscape of wide-open skies and colossal skies – ‘all sky and geometry’ the poet John Clare once said.

Woodlands Farm practices an ‘open farm’ policy. School visits are encouraged and open days are held for customers and special interest groups. The farm has an active arts programme and hosts events and demonstration days for organisations such as the Soil Association and Garden Organic (HDRA). It’s intended to develop the farm further as a 
resource for the local community.

Responsibilities
• To assist the Box Scheme Team in organising and attending an annual calendar of shows and events across our delivery area
• To evaluate all events to inform future marketing activity and targets
• To sign up new customers for a Woodlands veg box
• To work with the Box Scheme Team to develop ways to attract and engage new customers
• To help to write and design newsletters, marketing literature, social media updates, e-newsletters, brochures etc
• To support the management of our website, www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk
• To assist with wholesale sales when required

Your skills & personal attributes
• The Marketing & Events Assistant is an ideal post for someone who can demonstrate the passion and flexibility to tackle all aspects of marketing in an exciting and fast moving sector.
• Your communication skills will help to establish Woodlands Farm as THE Organic Scheme in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
• You will need to fully understand the ethics behind our vision.
• You will need a passion for great customer service in order to drive great results.
• You will need to be articulate with good writing skills and have an ability to write effective marketing literature.
• You will need to demonstrate your ability to plan your workload efficiently together with excellent IT and presentation skills.
• You will need a valid UK driving licence.
• You will have a strong interest in food, cooking and farming.
• You will be comfortable with a wide range of people, from children to business leaders.
• You will be willing and able to travel within our region.
• You will be flexible on working hours. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

How to apply
Send your CV and cover letter to Karl@woodlandsfarm.co.uk

Cover Letter: In a maximum of 400 words, please outline why you would succeed in the role and fit in the Woodlands ethos. You may use any work or personal experiences to demonstrate your abilities.

The closing date for the applications is Sunday 16th March 2014

Short-listed candidates will be contacted by Friday 21st March 2014

http://www.environmentjob.co.uk/job/48994-organic-veg-box-marketing-events-assistant

Social Entrepreneurs Programme - Do you know an aspiring social entrepreneur who is looking for some help getting started?

Social Entrepreneurs Programme

Hello Laurence, Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme is open for applications and we need your help! Can you help us find 300 social entrepreneurs? With an understanding of the application process, experience of SSE’s unique delivery style and a first-hand experience of what it means to be a social entrepreneur - YOU can really help us reach the right people.  Who are we looking for? Do you know an aspiring social entrepreneur who is looking for some help getting started? They could be perfect for Start Up Do you know a successful social enterprise looking for support on their journey to scale? They could be perfect for Scale Up What to tell them As you will know, participants on the programme will receive a grant of £4,000 or £15,000, a business mentor and a fully funded place on a yearlong learning programme. Outcomes from the programme include: ü  The confidence to lead your social enterprise ü  A cracking network ü  The ability to win resources and support for your project The details Applications are open until 3pm on 3rd April 2014. Those interested in applying can head to the website to find out more or attend one of our taster sessions which are taking place during February and March at multiple locations across the country.  Nice to tweet you… Social media is a great way for us to reach new audiences and we’re asking fellows and students from the programme to tweet telling people why they should apply. We hope this will give the truest possible portrait of what to expect from the SSE experience (and it will also be quite fun to read all your replies!) Tweet it to us @SchSocEnt and we’ll retweet to our 15,000 followers Use the hashtag #Applyif to join the conversation and see what others have said Don’t forget the link: Please direct any interested applicants toyourideastartshere.co.uk where they can access full info on the programme To help the creative juices, here’s some example tweets @Schsocent is currently recruiting! #Applyif you want skills in money, growth, measuring impact & business planninghttp://www.yourideastartshere.co.uk  Your idea starts here! #Applyif you have an idea to improve your community & you want help getting started http://yourideastartshere.co.uk  @SchSocEnt is recruiting - #Applyif you want "the right environment for growth of your business and growth as a leader and entrepreneur" Now open for applications #Applyif you have an idea for a social enterprise and need support starting up http://yourideastartshere.co.uk  These are just some examples and we are sure that - with you being social entrepreneurs and all - you can be wildly creative with your 140 characters and come up with something new! You can of course tell people to get in touch with us if they have specific questions and we will be happy to help: T: 020 7089 9120 E: Applications@sse.org.uk Thank you in advance for your support! Best wishes,

help needed - team of growers and community developers

Broad request for voluntary help on both the plot - sowing and planting etc, and more importantly the community development. We need one or two people to help us get organised and take on the whole 5 acres from after the hay cut in July.



Also crafts planting - hops, aromatic herbs, cut flowers etc

Need not be full time, in fact probably better only part time to fit into other stuff but rewards in fresh air and veg. Evenings and weekends are possible for certain aspects of the development.

No experience needed but a desire to grow your skills in social enterprise a real boost. All age/ability.

May go on to be funded for the right person/team of people.

Get in touch for more info.


thevegteam@communigrow.org
for growing 


or


peoplepower@communigrow.org
for all the community and social development side