Transition Derby

So-called modern farming methods, entirely reliant on ready availability of cheap oil and oil-based products, will become increasingly unsustainable and vulnerable as oil prices rise and supply shortages occur. Organic farms demonstrate more ethically and ecologically sound methods of food production and Transition Derby members had the opportunity to see how one such business operates just on the edge of  the city. Idyllic weather and vibrant spring birdsong accompanied an informal masterclass in organic farming techniques. True, one of our two-year old members enjoyed finding hens' eggs more than our host's genial discourse, but we each found hope and something to learn from, take away and enjoy.  Modest about his achievements in gaining and maintaining Soil Association organic status, Godfrey provided real insight and inspiration. Not only can nature and farming co-exist, but working with natural systems can be more productive overall. Through schemes such as the new community orchard on his land, school visits and visits such as ours, there's also an important role in linking and, to some extent, confronting, non-farmers with the source of their food. In spring sunshine it was hard to imagine the lambing and calving problems faced in often-inclement conditions, problems with wet harvests or even the mass of paperwork that farmers, especially organic farmers, have to deal with all year round. Thank goodness, they do.  Godfrey, we salute and thank you. A perfect bring and share lunch and a walk through mature woods awash with anemones and bluebells beneath ancient oak trees - fantastic !  And to think we had all this when we could have spent the morning pursuing the pointless consumerist  joys of the Westfield Centre... Next step a community supported agriculture scheme (CSA)  ?