Many people recognise the problems created by leaves at this time of year. Yet they can be of great value if used as leaf-mould for the soil in your garden or allotment. We make great use of them at Highbridge Community Farm. Find out how to make and use this rich ingredient.
2020 squashes
Squashes are popular, versatile crops at Highbridge Community Farm and usually perform well for us. Let's take a closer look at the four varieties that we grew this year and share some tips on making them last after they've been picked.
Corvus corax makes a comeback
Ravens were almost extinct in Hampshire by the mid-19th century. So it was good to see, or more often hear, a pair in the riverside treeline at HCF.
Wasps – what are they good for?
Dave Hubble takes a look at these little unsung heroes and the cultural references to them. You'll never look at a wasp in the same way again!
A round up of eco tips
Eco tips come from the HCF Plastics group to help us all to live more sustainably
The Forager’s Hedge
Andrew Ross highlights the treasures to be found for free in the forager's hedge at the farm.
The power of soil organic carbon
This is the first in a series of articles written by Andrew Ross to get us thinking about the quality and impact of the soil at Highbridge Community Farm.
We’re going on a worm hunt.
In early February and March 2018, Dr Jackie Stroud, a Natural Environment Research Council Soil Security Fellow at Rothamsted Research, led a project to study the worms in farm soils. 126 farmers took part. They dug 10 pits in one field, each 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm, in one field. They counted … Continue reading We’re going on a worm hunt.
Mason bees: no sting in the tail!
You are probably aware of bug hotels with drilled wooden blocks and bee nesting tubes with bamboo bundles or narrow cardboard tubes, but what uses them? There are several bee species – mason bees (genus Osmia), leaf-cutter bees (genus Megachile) and a few others, but the commonest is the Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis) which … Continue reading Mason bees: no sting in the tail!
HCF and Covid
To reinforce the government guidance restricting movement and to keep the farm productive, the Board developed guidelines for stakeholders. A copy is attached and is also pinned on the farm gates. The farm is operating well within these guidelines. Members are successfully staggering their visits and managing the distance requirements while they are there. Teams … Continue reading HCF and Covid