Becky’s Blog: UK regen viticulturists’ farm visit, Harrow & Hope

June saw the first of what we hope will be many RVF farm visits. The truly generous folk at Harrow & Hope in the UK invited 20 regen-minded vineyard owners and managers along to check out what regenerative viticulture looks like on their farm.

Matt Robson explaining how he adapted his spreader

When we finally stopped debating, we had a tour with Harrow & Hope vineyard manager Matt Robson, to see what he has been up to in the vineyard. 

I knew he was pretty handy, having previously seen the direct drill tractor attachment he and Ian Beecher-Jones of JoJo’s vineyard have developed. 

However, I hadn’t appreciated just how good he is at repurposing old bits of kit, including adapting a sprayer for compost teas, a rusty old hopper into a biochar kiln and next on the list… an old truck axle into a windrow turner.

Johnson-Su bioreactors
One of Matt’s many compost piles

Fascinating stuff.

Of course the pizzas went down well (thanks Henry and Kaye Laithwaite). 

As did the tasting of 20 wines made from regeneratively farmed grapes (one of the rules of attending was that everyone brought along a bottle to taste, and a spare for Henry and Kaye).

We almost didn’t get to see anything.

Discussion was flowing so thick and fast over coffee, the Q&A that had been planned for the end of the day had to be brought forward. While everyone agreed on what we are trying to achieve, not everyone agreed on the speed of change.  But that’s what these things are all about!

Biochar kiln which uses prunings as kindling

Matt talked us through how he improves his soil health.

There aren’t many groups of people who will enthusiastically peer into a stinking Johnson-Su bio-reactor (see here) or watch a man sticking a thermometer into each of his 3 compost piles at varying stages of maturity.

But I wasn’t alone in loving every minute of it.

Alex Valsecchi from Albury examining microbes fresh off the compost pile

Nick Cooper from Mycolife took samples from the compost piles so that we could see the microbes in action under the microscope.

Mimi in a meadow

And, of course, it was brilliant to have Mimi there to inspire and educate.

July 12th, 2023
Visit Harrow & Hope

Articles that may be of interest

Kiss the Ground documentary

The original 2020 Netflix documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that unpacks how soil is key to combating climate change

Mycorrhizal mycelium as a global carbon pool

A fascinating review into mycorrhizal fungi, including descriptions of the different functional types and how they contribute to global soil carbon pools. Conservative estimate that they fix approximately 36% of current annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. It is definitely worth setting time aside to read. Much of the language is accessible to non-scientists.

Cheeky Extra Newsletter

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Evaluation of performance of winegrowing systems in the Bordeaux region and of agroecological transition scenarios

Study into transitioning to regenerative viticulture/agroecology in Blaye region of Bordeaux

Vignes, vins et permaculture

The reference book from the highly experienced and respected French vineyard consultant Alain Malard.

Mimi interviews Nicole Masters

No-till Growers Podcast episode ‘Behavioural change in a time of ecological urgency with the UNSTOPPABLE agroecologist Nicole Masters of Integrity Soils’. This episode is definitely worth listening as these are two of the most thought-provoking leading people in regenerative agriculture. From February 2024

Smart selection of soil microbes for resilient and sustainable viticulture

Study to look into transplanting microbes from vines from hot, dry climates as a potential to improve vines’ resilience to drought

Grower Q&A: Kelly Mulville of Paicines Ranch

Regenerative Viticulture Q&A with Dudley Brown of Inkwell Wine, Australia’s first regeneratively certified vineyard

Biggest Little Farm

The Biggest Little Farm chronicles the eight year quest to unlock and uncover a biodiverse design that exists beyond the farm, its seasons. A blueprint for better living