LAND
There
is a stong awareness of how much damage has already
been done to the Earth, how fragile parts of it
have become for supporting life and how crucial
it is to halt and redeem this current phase of exploitation
and devastation.
As
custodians of Trigonos’ 18 acres of land we
work with a keen sense of responsibility for its
future: as well as being a source of nourishment
and inspiration we recognize the possibility of
activating that sense of responsibility in others
by demonstrating a holistic approach to land management.
The
garden, grounds and the greater landscape are all
conducive to quiet reflection, inspiration and appreciation
of the Natural World.
ENVIRONMENT
& BIODIVERSITY
It
is clear that Nature's reponse to care and respect
is shown by the increasing diversity of wildlife
poulations. Having substantially reduced grazing
levels since our arrival in 1996 it is noticeable,
for example, that more wildflowers and native grasses
attract more butterflies, insects and moths and,
consequently, a greater number and variety of birds.
Two acres are given over to cropping vegetables
and fruit; a second field is dedicated to conservation
and biodiversity, encouraging the regeneration of
native species; and the third currently houses some
beehives and awaits time, finance and manpower to
allow further sustainable developments.
There
is a large walled garden
through which the stream flows on it's way down
to the lake.The stream, woodlands and fields are
seen as integral to the vitality of the horticultural
project, and we work to maintain and enrich their
vigour and diversity. Given the spectacular location
with very diverse potentials we are excited by the
prospect of increasing biodiversity and wildlife
populations - a good variety of which are already
present.
The
land provides for many of our needs: food for the
table, flowers for visitors’ rooms, logs for
the fire, and willow, slate and stone for fencing
and other uses.
THE
FOOD WE GROW
Why
we grow food - Trigonos has always believed
that local, small-scale production of food contributes
significantly to the health and wellbeing of the
community, and directly addresses certain issues
of sustainability. Seasonal
food is freshly picked, produce is offered at peak
quality with flavour and nutrition at their best
and food miles are kept to a minimum. (Food
Policy)
How
we grow it - Our crops are grown without the
use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and according
to organic
or biodynamic methods
although we are not registered as such. We are members
of the Wholesome
Food Association (WFA) which promotes organic
principles and local food.
What we grow - We grow a wide variety of
salads, vegetables and fruit in the open field and
in unheated polytunnels.
Food for visitors - Mealtimes
and the good food served are a highlight at Trigonos
and greatly add to the sense of wellbeing and general
nourishment experienced by our visitors. In a world
where many of us are divorced from the land, visitors
appreciate seeing where their food has come from
and how it has been grown:- land and table are reconnected.
Food
for local people - Farm shop and Community Market
We have a small farm shop beside the vegetable field
which is used by local people and by visiting groups.
We also have a popular market stall at the Canolfan,
the local community centre in Talysarn: every Friday
afternoon, 3pm - 5pm.
VOLUNTEERS
& HELPERS
Volunteer
help is vital to our success and we would be
hard pressed to sustain our current levels of productivity
without their valuable time and energy. (See Volunteers)
THE
WILLOW BED at PENRHYN HELI
Trigonos owns and manages a willow
bed, supplying willow to local school and community
projects. (See Penrhyn
Heli)
Biodynamic
- The aim of biodynamic
farming and gardening is to revitalise nature,
grow nourishing food and advance the physical and
spiritual health of humanity. Each biodynamic farm
or garden is conceived of as an organism with its
own individual qualities and diversity of life.
Reliance on home produced compost, manures and animal
feeds is a key objective and external inputs are
kept to a minimum.
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