England’s first Community Owned Farm selected to screen inspiring Six Inches of Soil film

Fran Lant

Farming in a regenerative way, to look after the land, keep happy livestock, and produce high quality food, is central to Fordhall Organic Farm’s ethos. For this reason, they, with the Shropshire Good Food Partnership, have been selected as one of a few UK locations to screen the ‘inspiring story of British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food’ – Six Inches of Soil.

Pioneered by the late Arthur Hollins, Fordhall operates an extensive system of outdoor grazing called Foggage Farming. This permaculture-based system is managed to this day by Arthur’s son, Ben. The fully pasture-fed livestock live on a diverse range of plant life in the pastures (around 70 species have been found so far!), the tight root structure of which allows the animals to be overwintered outside without poaching the ground.

This system is a vast contrast to modern, industrial agriculture practises, with a low energy input, keeping nature, biodiversity and soil health at the heart of it all. Six Inches of Soil tells the stories of several farms caring for the planet, environment and soil in similar ways, their practises in line with ‘agroecology’ – a form of farming which harmonises with nature.

Faced with a changing climate, persistent rain and waterlogged fields we see a soggy reminder of this. The pursuit of agroecology is becoming more important than ever as a way to create climate resilient food systems.

Sharing this message has always been important to Fordhall Organic Farm, from the moment Arthur chose to move away from costly outside inputs after WW2. They are now preparing to amplify the message at the heart of ‘Six Inches of Soil’, with their special screening event scheduled for 4pm on Saturday 27th April.

Charlotte Hollins, Fordhall Community Land Initiative general manager, said:

‘We are thrilled to have been selected to share this wonderful film with our local community, right here on the farm. Regenerative farming, and working with nature rather than against it, is at the heart of our practises here at Fordhall.

‘Following the screening, we will be hosting a local expert panel along with our friends at the wonderful Shropshire Good Food Partnership – who’s collaboration and support has been invaluable in the creation of this event.

‘Other panellists include Steve Jacobs, CEO of Organic Farmers and Growers, Ruth Pullan from the Pasture for Life Association and Mary Stoker, from the North Shropshire Farmers’ Group.

‘Of course, all guests will be well fed too! A freshly prepared two-course meal is included in the ticket price – we pride ourselves on always using local and organic produce to create our classic Fordhall spreads. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone!’

 

Francesca Lant, Marketing and Communications Officer