Brand Story

By Becks Treharne, Biophilic Urbanism Consultant

Located in the South West of Wiltshire, set upon ancient chalk downland is Pertwood’s 2,600 acre Organic Farm. Producing a mix of grains, legumes and grass leys which are grazed by both sheep and beef cattle, Pertwood pride themselves on their organic practices, which have been a core part of their farming for more than thirty years.

This way of farming not only rewards them with lower input costs over time, but they consistently maintain their soil health, whilst also producing yields that compete with even the most efficient argo-chemical farms.

But what is it that enables Pertwood to continue producing quality yield after yield without chemical support? And why are there not more farmers engaging in this practice?

Let’s take a look inside Pertwood’s methods to find out!

To begin, the farm operates using three core principles, which underpin their entire farming practice:

• Crop rotation: which is vital in organic farming to enable the soil to replenish and to reduce the impact of weeds and pests.

• Building fertility: by using slow release forms of nutrients, such as composted manures. This recycling of other farm waste enables a more circular economy within the farms boundaries, whilst also making their soils look, feel and perform better.

• Using no synthetic pesticides: instead they choose to plant crops that overpower weeds, in combination with the seasonal weather changes, thereby keeping their soils naturally healthy and the weeds at bay.

The added benefit of this organic farming method is that it not only enables Pertwood to produce high quality yields now and in the short term, but it secures the same ability for future generations to come. This is by no means a short-term way of farming, but a long-term sustainable choice.

And whilst we can see and taste the difference from the crops produced, the game changer that organic farming enables is actually what’s under the surface: in the soil. The produce is an output of what these three core principles support, which is a nutrient dense and biodiversity rich ecosystem that enables the production of quality yields time and time again. Pertwoods soil is jam packed with species that form part of a dynamic metabolism right under the farms surface. And it is the health of this metabolism that rewards the farm with its quality crops.

Studies on Pertwood’s farmland highlight how their practices, in comparison to a ‘conventionally farmed’ field, support rich, lively soils that are mostly self sustaining and require little input. Their abundance of spiders and beetles, combined with their choice of cover crops, all work to support a healthy ecosystem that is built around Mother Nature and her natural practices.

The final thing to note is how these organic farming methods actually support surrounding environments, instead of hindering them. With no fertilisers, there is no contamination of local water ways or chemicals making their way up the food chain through consumption. Local wildlife will no doubt be healthier and happier as a result of these practices. Not to mention our own bodies will be happier and healthier from consuming these naturally produced crops too!

With all these benefits, environmental, economical and social, the real question now is why more farmers aren’t going organic? 

Visit: Pertwood Organic Farm website for more information.

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