From the Herefordshire Food Alliance Newsletter: “The headlines around food system issues have certainly felt heavy lately – fertiliser costs, growing food price pressures, a new UN report on extreme heat and agriculture, plus modelled data showing Herefordshire as one of the highest ammonia emissions hotspots in the country. These are real challenges that no-one can afford to shy away from. But connection is a powerful antidote to overwhelm. So many individuals and organisations across this county are actively working on these issues – in fields, schools, kitchens and community halls – that is genuinely heartening. And it was wonderful
Hay Festival runs from Thursday 21st – Sunday 31st May with an extensive programme of talks, walks and activities. Talks address topics including climate change; the ethics of protest movements; current political issues. There are events celebrating local food and the Slow Food Movement. Themed organised walks take place in Bannau Brycheiniog NP and the countryside surrounding Hay. Click on the link for more.
Saturday June 6th – Plant & Food Fair at the Steiner Academy Hereford. The Steiner Academy in Hereford are organising a Root to Fruit festival on Saturday 6th June which will celebrate gardening, horticulture, and traditional crafts with carefully selected stalls, talks and activities set in the school’s beautiful grounds. Entry and parking are both free, so they are anticipating an excellent turnout. Plants – talks – lunch – live music – artisan market – local food produce – children’s activities – cake – coffee – ice cream Put the date on your calendar! They are currently inviting local growers, artisans and speakers to
Herefordshire is renowned as a cider county. Blossom events at this time of year are a reminder of the value to wildlife of traditional orchards. 90% of this habitat has been lost since the 1950s. Through PTES you can play a role in finding and surveying these vital habitats to help preserve them. Click here to get involved.
The Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG) and Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF) are offering up to £6.5 million in funding to support researchers, nurseries, and seed suppliers. The grants aim to strengthen the UK’s ability to grow resilient treescapes that can withstand climate change, pests, and diseases, while helping domestic tree supply meet increasing demand. Click here to read more including details of webinars on how to apply, and deadlines.
Ross on Wye Blossom Day On Saturday 9th May, Broome Farm in Ross on Wye will be holding their annual Blossom Day Spring Garden Show The Spring Garden Show at Three Counties Showground, which started yesterday, runs until Sunday 10th May. More details here. Ludlow Spring Festival Ludlow Spring Festival started today and runs until Sunday 10th May. Follow this link for more details.
As part of National Hedgerow Week last week, the Tree Council ran a webinar on the ancient craft of Hedgelaying: its history, regional styles, use and impact on wildlife. Click here to watch the recording on YouTube Other links Nigel Adam’s new book – Hedgelaying The Complete Guide to a Traditional Rural Craft National Hedgelaying Society Hedgelink
Food! The Musical is a new project from Footloose Community Arts. It is an interactive piece exploring the nature of food in the 21st century – what we eat and why, and the impact of a profit-driven, global food production system on all forms of life as well as human society. It aims to provoke discussion and action as well as entertain. Humour, catchy tunes and dance are used to map out alternatives to a destructive, corporate-driven globalised food system. We can work with and for the earth and its ecosystems and eat well. We invite participation: joining in with
Blossomtime in Aylton and Putley This annual springtime opportunity to enjoy the local orchards is taking place around Putley and Aylton on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May. Blossomtime 2026 sees community organisers, the Big Apple Association, bringing together three venues linked by a tractor and trailer service and each offering a collection of different experiences. At welcome hub Putley Parish Hall, visitors can park, buy their entrance ticket (£5 for adults, children under 16 free, valid for one day at all three venues), find refreshments and start guided walks around the orchards. Amongst activities at Birchley, home of Skittery Apple Juice and
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Click here for details of a workshop on ‘Farming Smart’ from Rural Hub Herefordshire on Tuesday 21st April 11.00am – 3.00pm
