Herbal Ley Event

The event will focus on herbal leys and the wider herbal ley farming system approach, providing an alternative to intensive forage-based systems that rely heavily on artificial nitrogen fertiliser. We will explore the best ways to implement herbal ley actions in agri-environment schemes, including: • Establishment methods most likely to deliver success • How to phase herbal leys into a forage-based farming system while achieving good yields and reducing nitrogen fertiliser use • Choosing the right site and seed mix for herbal leys • How to manage and maintain herbal leys for productivity and resilience including using short-term break crops for weed and pest control • Performance of herbal leys during recent drought conditions About Kenton Hall Kenton Hall is a 450 acre mixed farm which has moved from conventional to ‘regen’ practices over the past 5 years. The farm has experimented with agroforestry, beetle banks and varying stewardship mixes during this transition period as well as whole change in establishment methods. Farm | Discover Sustainable Farming Today — Kenton Hall Estate - Herbal leys established in 2021 around their agroforestry block, which was previously an arable field - Herbal leys utilized primarily for its environmental benefits, and has been cut for hay this year - The farm intends to integrate herbal leys into the wider arable rotation in the future About Ben • CSF Adviser working within the Derbyshire Peak District - River Wye catchment • Since 2019 has supported farmers trialling herbal leys and their integration into intensive grassland / livestock systems • Productive soils dominated by perennial ryegrass and receiving up to 250KgN/ha, primarily dairying • Free draining limestone geology presents high risk of drought conditions • Focus on delivery of productive and resilient farming systems with less reliance on nitrogen fertiliser A light lunch of soup and bread from Acre Bakery will be provided. Basis Points applied for. We look forward to seeing you there! Additional Venue Details: What3words for Kenton Hall Boardroom (where the presentation will take place): ///passenger.professes.pylons What3words for entrance drive: ///evoked.buzzards.suitcase