Velwell Orchard

The garden is looking great now thanks to our small team of regular helpers. There is a steady stream of vegetables and quite a bit of fruit.

We are looking for one hard-working and enthusiastic volunteer to join our Friday morning gardening team. Please let us know if you are interested.

In terms of volunteer days we have decided not to reopen this year. We need to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our volunteers and the coronavirus pandemic has focussed our minds more on this important aspect of our work. Over the winter we will be assessing the risks and putting measures in place to ensure we can reopen in the spring.

We are accepting visits by arrangement to collect vegetables on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please contact us if you wish to get some. Vegetables are also available from Derek in Buckfastleigh on Wednesdays.

This week and next week we have a lot of gooseberries, jostaberries and blackcurrants available on a pick your own basis. As with all of our produce it is free although we will of course accept donations towards the running of the project.

Velwell Orchard works rather differently to other farms in how it funds itself. For some years now we have given away all surplus produce for free. We realised that the food we grow is simply to valuable to sell. Instead, the project is funded entirely by donations from individuals. We accept no other funding, and this enables us to retain our freedom and autonomy, whilst our reliance on community members creates a resilient relationship between people and land. We feel incredibly grateful to the people who give their time, energy and money to the project. Thank you all!

Thanks so much to those of you who have sent in money in recent days. We’re so grateful.

The sun shone today, the sky seemed a brighter blue than usual and the birds were singing their hearts out with news of Spring’s arrival. We peeled off our winter layers and enjoyed a coffee in the garden at Velwell Orchard. It felt like the first time I’d been able to draw breath in a long while. Jago is walking now, and Lola was there too to help out for a bit.

Over the winter Sasha and I have been working our socks of to try and save some money to see the family through the summer months when we’ll working full time at the Orchard. Sasha has been with us nearly a year now and what a blessing this has been.

This week we’re tying up a few loose ends and next week we hope to begin sorting the garden out. There is a lot to do as we’ve not been able to do any work here due in part to the weather but also because of our work commitments.

I had hoped we could begin our volunteer days next wednesday, but this is beginning to look doubtful, with new restrictions coming in because of the coronavirus. Everything has been thrown up in the air and who knows whether it’ll land on its feet like Baggins, our faithful farm cat.

We depend of course on our volunteers, not only for help on the land, but on their enthusiam, their experience, their love of nature and perhaps mostly, upon their kindness. So what will happen at Velwell Orchard this summer is anyone’s guess.

One thing I do know for sure is that there is currently £16.80 in the Velwell Bank Account. Ordering this year’s seeds and purchasing chicken food over the winter has completely cleaned out the account. Most of you will be tightening your belts now, as society retreats futher into its shell and I understand that. As someone who has lived on very little money for a very long time, I know about this more than many. But if anyone does feel they can support Velwell Orchard with a little money, we’d be very grateful.

At present we receive £34 per month in regular donations from a few very loyal and kindly folks, but this simply is not enough to cover the costs of running the project.

We really dont know what the future holds for Velwell Orchard, but somehow it has survived as a being since Derek took guardianship back in 1994 and it’s my personal feeling it has plenty of life left in it yet.

What do these three things have in common?

Introduction to Hedge Laying at Scoriton Farm

Thursday 27th & Firday 28th February, 9am – 5pm.

Cost: £60 (Inc. VAT)

​To book please click here.

As well as hedge laying, this course includes tool sharpening, as well as discussion around the conservation value and history of Devon hedges, and costs and benefits of various management techniques.

Learn to Scythe at Velwell Orchard

Saturday 30th of May, 2pm – 6pm, Sunday 31st of May, 6am – 10am

Cost: £60/£40 concessions.

This beginners course will introduce you to the correct use of the scythe. You’ll learn how to set it up properly according to your body’s proportions, how to peen and hone the blade, and mow using universal principals of motion so that you can mow easily and efficiently without stressing your body. We will also discuss meadow and lawn management for the benefit of wildlife and humans, how to make hay, and the use of grass cuttings as mulch.

To book please contact me direct.

More information can be found here.

Aikido Classes for Childen and Adults

At Buckfastleigh Town Hall on Tuesdays.

Learn to defend yourself – without fighting.

I teach children from 7 years old and adults too. No experience is necessary. Find out more here.