Paddington Farm is an entirely organic site, certified by the Soil Association. We believe that organic growing is the way forward – supporting the land, the environment and human health.
Why organic?
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world: we’ve lost almost 50% of our biodiversity overall, with a 60% decline in insect numbers in the last 20 years alone. Modern farming practices are a significant factor in this, destroying or fragmenting wildlife habitats and disrupting local environments through the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. These agrochemicals not only impact the local environment but also make a significant contribution to climate change. They may also impact human health, as most conventionally farmed fruit and vegetables contain a cocktail of chemical residues.
In contrast, organic farming and growing promotes vibrant ecosystems, with up to 75% more pollinators and up to 25 times more soil invertebrates than conventionally farmed land. Organic systems embrace biodiversity and protect natural habitats, whilst organic soils can help store carbon – which in turn helps to tackle climate change. And, of course, organic produce doesn’t contain any artificial chemicals; many studies have found it to have a higher nutritional value than conventional fruit and vegetables, and it definitely tastes better too!
Organic produce
We have 2.5 acres of no-dig organic market gardens, managed by our Head Gardener, Rob Macbeth, with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers. Rob grows organic fruit and vegetables on a five bed rotation system, in both open-air beds and polytunnels. The produce is sold via Rob’s company Glastonbury Natural Fruit and Veg at Glastonbury’s weekly market (every Tuesday), supplemented by organic produce from a network of suppliers across the Mendips. In the summer we also sell produce at our on-site shop – it’s organic, seasonal and delicious, AND has zero food miles!
Organic orchards
We also have 3.5 acres of organic apple orchards, with a mix of traditional varieties including both cider and dessert apples. Each autumn we harvest the apples and put them through a hand-operated press to create our renowned apple juice. The apple harvest is always a popular time with both visiting youth groups and the local community, who get involved in the whole process – harvesting, washing, pulping and pressing the apples, and, of course, sampling the finished product (always an important part of the job!).
Organic Pasture
Our pastures are home to a flock of organic sheep, owned by a local young farmer, Lewis, who completed an apprenticeship programme at Paddington Farm. In the early spring Lewis brings the ewes in for lambing, and by Easter the ewes and lambs are back outside enjoying the pasture and, in the case of the lambs, running and jumping around the fields. In late summer we move the sheep over to the orchards so that we can cut the pastures for hay, to keep our animals fed over the winter.
