Another successful community event hosted by Rothbury CAN.
Six Inches of Soil is a story of courage, vision, and hope. Our screening was attended, by over 85 people! We are very happy that so many people in our community wanted to be part of this.
There were quite a few farmers, who (I think all) stayed behind for the discussion, which was very fruitful.
"Our film, Six Inches of Soil, tells the story of remarkable farmers, communities, small businesses, chefs and entrepreneurs who are leading the way to transform how our food is produced and consumed.
Agroecology is an approach to farming that includes ‘regenerative’ farming techniques that work in harmony with, rather than against nature. It focuses on local food systems and shorter supply chains. The advantages are numerous: we get to know who is growing our food and how, farmers get paid a fair price and have the satisfaction of producing healthy food in a healthy environment. Agroecology may also be our best chance in the face of climate change: it keeps carbon in the ground and creates resilient systems in the face of climate uncertainty.
Six Inches of Soil tells the inspiring story of young British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food - to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities."
Mike Pratt
Mike Pratt, CEO of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, opened the discussion by reiterating the main points of the film, and telling us about their new project, Wilder Northumberland. The vision of this new project is to increase connectivity across Northumberland, removing barriers to species movement, whilst also creating more space for water, and more space for trees and scrub - read more here: https://www.nwt.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/wilder-northumberland-network
Joe and Rachel Henry
Rachel Henry, from Westhills Farm, gave an excellent precis of the regenerative work they have been doing for some time, and how beneficial it is all round. Many of the audience applauded and congratulated Westhills. It was lovely to be part of such an appreciative audience. You can read more about this work here: https://www.regenerateoutcomes.co.uk/insights/meet-the-farmers-joe-and-rachel-henry-westhills-farm-rothbury-northumberland
Walter Riddell
Mike skilfully led the discussion, which included Walter Riddell describing some of the fine work that is happening at Hepple Wilds. '“To create a wilder ecosystem at Hepple driven by natural processes and light-touch management. Success will be measured by the strengthening of the natural assets already present, the pleasure given to residents and visitors and in the economic opportunities that result from a more diverse landscape".
The main points from the discussion ranged around food production, access to markets, health, soil health, biodiversity and community/collaboration.
A very clear, positive, and hopeful message appeared to be being generated, and many of us left the Jubiliee Hall with the beginnings of what might be termed a vision. This misty vision began to get a little more clear the following day, at The Great Big Green Event.
Many of the people who came to the screening, also, kindly, attended our annual day of information and celebration about what Rothbury CAN members and friends are involved in, to do with the environment and biodiversity. (The annual Rothbury Great Big Green Event).
I spoke to several food producers and sellers, and others, about the intangible vision which is forming, and, after a long discussion with Professor Darren Evans, some of us are going to attempt to write a 'Vision Statement' - outlining an idea of how to create some innovative shorter supply chains for the food that is locally produced. Food produced not just by farmers, but also by gardeners and allotment holders.
Ideas about food, including cooking and eating it, plus being able to purchase it, all locally, is what we are trying to develop
Rich and Sue Hurst of Tullys - the unsung heroes of bringing fresh, local, produce to residents for 27 years - are still full of amazing ideas of how we might work together for the benefit of all.
Are you interested in helping think this through? Do you have any thoughts you would like to share?
Please get in touch by emailing me at rothburycan@gmail.com
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