Traditional orchards are a “priority habitat” according to the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan. In this episode, Neil is led through one such orchard by farmer JUSTIN WEEKES and his father, whose Ridge & Furrow Cider farm has won awards both for its sweet craft cider, and for the wildlife that the orchards support.

In this interview: what a ‘ridge and furrow’ orchard means (2m07s); Justin’s approach to grazing in the orchard (6m10s); the perils of drinking alcohol after being stung by bees (8m43s); biodiversity on the farm (11m03s); their thoughts on fertilisers (13m28s); Neil meets their cattle (18m40s); Neil finds out how the cider is made (21m45s).

• Visit the Ridge & Furrow Cider Farm website
• Read about the Biodiversity Action Plan’s Priority Habitats
• Learn about the countryside stewardship scheme of which Justin’s farm is a part

This podcast is produced by jakelloyd.co.uk

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