From the first moment, this journey has been a collective one. In our first season we were grateful to have regular volunteers (nobody more so than Andy - thanks Andy!), old friends, family & new friends all came out to support at Open Days & Work Mornings - we’re grateful to everyone that helped out & contributed in the 2023/24 season… we couldn’t have done it without you!
Agroforestry Ambitions backed by Contributing Members
We launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2024 hoping to raise funds to support the first growing season, ultimately we fell a little short of the target & didn’t receive any funds directly from the Kickstarter campaign (it’s an ‘all or nothing’ approach). Following this perceived disappointment, many people from this amazing community still offered to pledge their support towards helping us plant trees for our Agroforestry plot, as well as making contributions to help with the day-to-day running of the farm. Alongside regular CSA Members, the Contributing Members in 2024 really kept the Bantu Farm dream alive! Winter 2025 will see us plant more than 60 trees as we make the first steps to establishing a new Agroforestry Plot, with deep gratitude to all of you named here:
Emma H. Billie, Ricci, Maya & Ezra. Helen E. Aunties & Uncles: Sam & Rob, Chris & Hannah, Lorraine. Chrissie & Yan (trees & plants). Bennison Farm CSA (plants & irrigation help). Lora & Zeki. Mum. Rachel W. Beth H. Sarah B. Sarah N. Paul, Bev & Tom Maston. Lesley & Karl. Caroline & Jonathan R-L. Potting Shed Bakery. Divya O. Mark C. Emma & Michael. Nathan & Jessie - Peck. Ray M. Joanne T. The Wholefood Store Manningtree. Maisie D. James W-S. Heidi S. Jo C. Jenna & Adam. Amy T. Anna G H. Nel V H. Lisa E. Kate G. Henrietta I. Feimatta C. Neil L. Connie & Hattie. Charlotte S. Hannah, Will, Sam & Adam. Jess T. Clemmie & Ben. Denise, Abi & Indi. Elisa & Scott. Sofia & Joe. Anita & Roger. Anisha & Dwarka. Ross C. Lucy P. Elmer & Priyanka. Lucinda P. Annabel G. Alex & V. Luke G-Mc. Ailsa W. Agata O. Mikey O. Gale P. Anna F. Richie, Hannah & Zadie. Lucy R. The Essex Salad WhatsApp Group.
What is Agroforestry?
Bantu Farm has the benefit of well established wind breaks to the North, East & South of the main growing plot. The west side of the site is totally exposed to the wind… over-exposure to wind can impact the site & the growing conditions in many ways, including contributing to soil erosion & negatively affecting the ability of leafy plants to store & use water.
Coming from a permaculture design perspective, the intention is to gain multiple benefits from introducing any new element into the design - during the next 3 years, we will plant several rows of productive (fruit & nut bearing, useful materials & / or timber producing) trees in the form of an agroforestry plot.
By combining agricultural and forestry technologies, our Agroforestry plot to the West of the site will help to create a more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy, and sustainable land-use system whilst also providing an essential windbreak for the main growing plot. Between the rows of trees, we will grow staple crops such as potatoes, onions & leeks, as well as pumpkin & squash varieties, grains, cover crops & annual vegetables.