Ben Raskin
@benraskin.bsky.social
Head of Agroforestry Soil Association. Eastbrook Farm #Agroforestry. Author Silvohorticulture / The Woodchip Handbook
www.benraskin.uk
www.benraskin.uk
Reposted by Ben Raskin
🎙️New Agricology Podcast Launch!
'Agroforestry Through the Elements'🔥🌱🌊 E1: Water.
Feat. @vickihird.bsky.social, @benraskin.bsky.social and Colin Tosh from @organicrescent.bsky.social.
LISTEN NOW ➡️https://ow.ly/Uj3p50XnMM2
#Agroforestry #Trees #FarmingPodcast #SustainableFarming
'Agroforestry Through the Elements'🔥🌱🌊 E1: Water.
Feat. @vickihird.bsky.social, @benraskin.bsky.social and Colin Tosh from @organicrescent.bsky.social.
LISTEN NOW ➡️https://ow.ly/Uj3p50XnMM2
#Agroforestry #Trees #FarmingPodcast #SustainableFarming
November 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM
🎙️New Agricology Podcast Launch!
'Agroforestry Through the Elements'🔥🌱🌊 E1: Water.
Feat. @vickihird.bsky.social, @benraskin.bsky.social and Colin Tosh from @organicrescent.bsky.social.
LISTEN NOW ➡️https://ow.ly/Uj3p50XnMM2
#Agroforestry #Trees #FarmingPodcast #SustainableFarming
'Agroforestry Through the Elements'🔥🌱🌊 E1: Water.
Feat. @vickihird.bsky.social, @benraskin.bsky.social and Colin Tosh from @organicrescent.bsky.social.
LISTEN NOW ➡️https://ow.ly/Uj3p50XnMM2
#Agroforestry #Trees #FarmingPodcast #SustainableFarming
Brilliant to launch at the show, and to sell so many copies.
At the #agroforestryshow for launch of 2nd edition of @thesoilassociation.bsky.social Agroforestry Handbook edited by @benraskin.bsky.social which we’re delighted to be distributing.
Presale at the show. General release 30 September.
5mbooks.com?s=Agroforest...
Presale at the show. General release 30 September.
5mbooks.com?s=Agroforest...
September 12, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Brilliant to launch at the show, and to sell so many copies.
Reposted by Ben Raskin
🍂 What is agroforestry and why does it matter? 🤔
From the buzz at #Groundswell25 to the upcoming @thesoilassociation.bsky.social / Woodland Trust #AgroforestryShow, it's clear trees are a hot topic in farming right now 🌾🐑🌲.
Discover more in our latest farmer profiles👉 ow.ly/wwcw50WvTrC
From the buzz at #Groundswell25 to the upcoming @thesoilassociation.bsky.social / Woodland Trust #AgroforestryShow, it's clear trees are a hot topic in farming right now 🌾🐑🌲.
Discover more in our latest farmer profiles👉 ow.ly/wwcw50WvTrC
July 28, 2025 at 9:13 AM
🍂 What is agroforestry and why does it matter? 🤔
From the buzz at #Groundswell25 to the upcoming @thesoilassociation.bsky.social / Woodland Trust #AgroforestryShow, it's clear trees are a hot topic in farming right now 🌾🐑🌲.
Discover more in our latest farmer profiles👉 ow.ly/wwcw50WvTrC
From the buzz at #Groundswell25 to the upcoming @thesoilassociation.bsky.social / Woodland Trust #AgroforestryShow, it's clear trees are a hot topic in farming right now 🌾🐑🌲.
Discover more in our latest farmer profiles👉 ow.ly/wwcw50WvTrC
Reposted by Ben Raskin
6am mood: Sitting out waiting for the rain.
July 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM
6am mood: Sitting out waiting for the rain.
Reposted by Ben Raskin
🎓🌳 New for #AgroforestryShow 2025, introducing: The Training Hub
In collab with The Woodland Trust @organicrescent.bsky.social @thesoilassociation.bsky.social expect:
✅ Fast-paced 25-min sessions
✅ Expert speakers & demos
✅ Advice from top agroforestry orgs
Tickets ➡️ www.agroforestryshow.com
In collab with The Woodland Trust @organicrescent.bsky.social @thesoilassociation.bsky.social expect:
✅ Fast-paced 25-min sessions
✅ Expert speakers & demos
✅ Advice from top agroforestry orgs
Tickets ➡️ www.agroforestryshow.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:52 PM
🎓🌳 New for #AgroforestryShow 2025, introducing: The Training Hub
In collab with The Woodland Trust @organicrescent.bsky.social @thesoilassociation.bsky.social expect:
✅ Fast-paced 25-min sessions
✅ Expert speakers & demos
✅ Advice from top agroforestry orgs
Tickets ➡️ www.agroforestryshow.com
In collab with The Woodland Trust @organicrescent.bsky.social @thesoilassociation.bsky.social expect:
✅ Fast-paced 25-min sessions
✅ Expert speakers & demos
✅ Advice from top agroforestry orgs
Tickets ➡️ www.agroforestryshow.com
Reposted by Ben Raskin
Farm in the North of England? Interested in #Agroforestry? We have a great opportunity for you to develop an agroforestry design and get feedback, ideas and lessons learned from farmers, researchers and advisors at the #Agroforestryshow. www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
Co-design workshop at the Agroforestry Show - The Organic Research Centre
Opportunity for a farm from the north of England to participate in a co-design workshop at the Agroforestry Show in Hertfordshire on 10th and 11th September.
www.organicresearchcentre.com
July 8, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Farm in the North of England? Interested in #Agroforestry? We have a great opportunity for you to develop an agroforestry design and get feedback, ideas and lessons learned from farmers, researchers and advisors at the #Agroforestryshow. www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
Reposted by Ben Raskin
The big challenge with planting grants being turned on/off at the whim of Ministers, is that tree nurseries & planting contractors can’t confidently invest in their businesses.
Nurseries have to plan 4-5 yrs ahead.
If trees aren’t planted they can’t easily be held over to the next year.
Nurseries have to plan 4-5 yrs ahead.
If trees aren’t planted they can’t easily be held over to the next year.
More detail on the planting stats - big issue is Scotland's dip following budget cuts.
Wales, NI & Eng have all increased but they are still well off target.
Graph is via @forestryjournal.bsky.social
Data is from @forestresearchuk.bsky.social & is in thousand's of Hectares
Wales, NI & Eng have all increased but they are still well off target.
Graph is via @forestryjournal.bsky.social
Data is from @forestresearchuk.bsky.social & is in thousand's of Hectares
June 27, 2025 at 6:37 AM
The big challenge with planting grants being turned on/off at the whim of Ministers, is that tree nurseries & planting contractors can’t confidently invest in their businesses.
Nurseries have to plan 4-5 yrs ahead.
If trees aren’t planted they can’t easily be held over to the next year.
Nurseries have to plan 4-5 yrs ahead.
If trees aren’t planted they can’t easily be held over to the next year.
Reposted by Ben Raskin
We are looking forward to #Groundswell25 2-3 July. Come and join us in the #agroforestry tent! @thesoilassociation.bsky.social @benraskin.bsky.social
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
Join us at Groundswell in the Agroforestry Tent - The Organic Research Centre
Join us in the agroforestry tent at Groundswell 2-3 July.
www.organicresearchcentre.com
June 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM
We are looking forward to #Groundswell25 2-3 July. Come and join us in the #agroforestry tent! @thesoilassociation.bsky.social @benraskin.bsky.social
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
Reposted by Ben Raskin
Webinar tomorrow night (30 April 18.00-19.30) exploring the key findings from @thesoilassociation.bsky.social Whole Farm Tree Project. A few tickets left... www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploring-...
Exploring the Value of the Farm Treescape through Whole Farm Tree Planning
Join us at this event to illustrate the value of treescapes in farming practices, and share results from our Whole Farm Tree Plan project.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
April 29, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Webinar tomorrow night (30 April 18.00-19.30) exploring the key findings from @thesoilassociation.bsky.social Whole Farm Tree Project. A few tickets left... www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploring-...
Farmers and growers in England, trying to get a sense of how SFI decision has affected your agroforestry plans - 2 minute survey here
soilassociation.typeform.com/to/XjSYXhMr?...
soilassociation.typeform.com/to/XjSYXhMr?...
Flash Questionnaire Agroforestry
Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.
soilassociation.typeform.com
April 10, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Farmers and growers in England, trying to get a sense of how SFI decision has affected your agroforestry plans - 2 minute survey here
soilassociation.typeform.com/to/XjSYXhMr?...
soilassociation.typeform.com/to/XjSYXhMr?...
Reposted by Ben Raskin
☀️ We're hiring! ☀️
The CSA Network UK is looking for a part-time team-member to work on a project to explore how to enhance engagement with CSAs in West Yorkshire: communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/work-with-us/
#agroecology #nonprofit #communitysupportedagriculture
The CSA Network UK is looking for a part-time team-member to work on a project to explore how to enhance engagement with CSAs in West Yorkshire: communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/work-with-us/
#agroecology #nonprofit #communitysupportedagriculture
March 14, 2025 at 4:23 PM
☀️ We're hiring! ☀️
The CSA Network UK is looking for a part-time team-member to work on a project to explore how to enhance engagement with CSAs in West Yorkshire: communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/work-with-us/
#agroecology #nonprofit #communitysupportedagriculture
The CSA Network UK is looking for a part-time team-member to work on a project to explore how to enhance engagement with CSAs in West Yorkshire: communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/work-with-us/
#agroecology #nonprofit #communitysupportedagriculture
Reposted by Ben Raskin
We need more long-term agroforestry sites in this country, not less, if we are to advance our knowledge. The @agroforestryrt.bsky.social and Martin Crawford's work has been vital to enhancing our practice & policy please help save this asset from the Dartington Trust www.change.org/p/stop-the-d...
Sign the Petition
Stop the Destruction of the World-Renowned Dartington Forest Garden
www.change.org
March 14, 2025 at 9:03 AM
We need more long-term agroforestry sites in this country, not less, if we are to advance our knowledge. The @agroforestryrt.bsky.social and Martin Crawford's work has been vital to enhancing our practice & policy please help save this asset from the Dartington Trust www.change.org/p/stop-the-d...
Looking forward to this next week, still some places available if you'd like to join us.
🚜 Farmers & landowners
🌿 Curious about #agroforestry on a mixed farm?
Want to make the most of schemes like #BNG & #SFI?
Join us for a farm walk
📍 Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus, LE14 2LJ
📅 Thur 13 Mar, 10:30am-2pm
Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1219641212...
@SMBCollegeGroup #AgrocologyAtScale
🌿 Curious about #agroforestry on a mixed farm?
Want to make the most of schemes like #BNG & #SFI?
Join us for a farm walk
📍 Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus, LE14 2LJ
📅 Thur 13 Mar, 10:30am-2pm
Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1219641212...
@SMBCollegeGroup #AgrocologyAtScale
Agroforestry at Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus
Join us for this Soil Association farm walk to explore the agroforestry practices at Hall Farm (Brooksby Campus) in Leicestershire.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
March 6, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Looking forward to this next week, still some places available if you'd like to join us.
Reposted by Ben Raskin
🐑 Are you a livestock farmer?
We need to hear directly from those on the frontlines of farming to understand how abattoirs are important for their businesses and the impact of losing the services they provide.
➡️ Let us know by completing our survey here: sustainablefoodtrust.org/press-releas...
We need to hear directly from those on the frontlines of farming to understand how abattoirs are important for their businesses and the impact of losing the services they provide.
➡️ Let us know by completing our survey here: sustainablefoodtrust.org/press-releas...
Farmers needed to save small abattoirs: Farming groups launch survey to make case to government | Sustainable Food Trust
The farming industry is being called upon to complete an important online survey regarding their use of abattoirs and the importance of an abattoir for their business.
sustainablefoodtrust.org
March 5, 2025 at 4:21 PM
🐑 Are you a livestock farmer?
We need to hear directly from those on the frontlines of farming to understand how abattoirs are important for their businesses and the impact of losing the services they provide.
➡️ Let us know by completing our survey here: sustainablefoodtrust.org/press-releas...
We need to hear directly from those on the frontlines of farming to understand how abattoirs are important for their businesses and the impact of losing the services they provide.
➡️ Let us know by completing our survey here: sustainablefoodtrust.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Ben Raskin
🚜 Farmers & landowners
🌿 Curious about #agroforestry on a mixed farm?
Want to make the most of schemes like #BNG & #SFI?
Join us for a farm walk
📍 Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus, LE14 2LJ
📅 Thur 13 Mar, 10:30am-2pm
Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1219641212...
@SMBCollegeGroup #AgrocologyAtScale
🌿 Curious about #agroforestry on a mixed farm?
Want to make the most of schemes like #BNG & #SFI?
Join us for a farm walk
📍 Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus, LE14 2LJ
📅 Thur 13 Mar, 10:30am-2pm
Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1219641212...
@SMBCollegeGroup #AgrocologyAtScale
Agroforestry at Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus
Join us for this Soil Association farm walk to explore the agroforestry practices at Hall Farm (Brooksby Campus) in Leicestershire.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 25, 2025 at 2:02 PM
🚜 Farmers & landowners
🌿 Curious about #agroforestry on a mixed farm?
Want to make the most of schemes like #BNG & #SFI?
Join us for a farm walk
📍 Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus, LE14 2LJ
📅 Thur 13 Mar, 10:30am-2pm
Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1219641212...
@SMBCollegeGroup #AgrocologyAtScale
🌿 Curious about #agroforestry on a mixed farm?
Want to make the most of schemes like #BNG & #SFI?
Join us for a farm walk
📍 Hall Farm, Brooksby Campus, LE14 2LJ
📅 Thur 13 Mar, 10:30am-2pm
Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1219641212...
@SMBCollegeGroup #AgrocologyAtScale
Reposted by Ben Raskin
If you’re a farmer in Powys who would like to learn sustainable hedgerow management then I’m happy to say @protect.earth is offering a free hedgelaying course in Lloyney, near Knighton, March 8th.
If you’re not a farmer you’re also welcome but it’s £50/pp.
Get in touch!
protect.earth/contact
If you’re not a farmer you’re also welcome but it’s £50/pp.
Get in touch!
protect.earth/contact
February 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
If you’re a farmer in Powys who would like to learn sustainable hedgerow management then I’m happy to say @protect.earth is offering a free hedgelaying course in Lloyney, near Knighton, March 8th.
If you’re not a farmer you’re also welcome but it’s £50/pp.
Get in touch!
protect.earth/contact
If you’re not a farmer you’re also welcome but it’s £50/pp.
Get in touch!
protect.earth/contact
Reposted by Ben Raskin
1 tree in, 3147 to go - #agroforestry is underway! 🌳🌳🌳
February 5, 2025 at 6:13 PM
1 tree in, 3147 to go - #agroforestry is underway! 🌳🌳🌳
Reposted by Ben Raskin
Just got my copy of #Silvohorticulture! Looking forward to getting stuck in. Love that it’s dedicated to Alan Schofield & Martin Wolfe #Wakelyns and @organicrescent.bsky.social (especially Jo Smith and Sally Westaway) get mentioned. Well done @benraskin.bsky.social and Andy Dibben. Chelsea Green.
February 5, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Just got my copy of #Silvohorticulture! Looking forward to getting stuck in. Love that it’s dedicated to Alan Schofield & Martin Wolfe #Wakelyns and @organicrescent.bsky.social (especially Jo Smith and Sally Westaway) get mentioned. Well done @benraskin.bsky.social and Andy Dibben. Chelsea Green.
Reposted by Ben Raskin
Pet owners accidentally poisoning garden birds.
Our latest research finds pet flea treatments (fipronil and imidacloprid) in 100% of blue tit and great tit nests, with nestling mortality higher in the more contaminated nest. @SongBirdSBS @SussexUni @CannelleTassin
Our latest research finds pet flea treatments (fipronil and imidacloprid) in 100% of blue tit and great tit nests, with nestling mortality higher in the more contaminated nest. @SongBirdSBS @SussexUni @CannelleTassin
January 27, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Pet owners accidentally poisoning garden birds.
Our latest research finds pet flea treatments (fipronil and imidacloprid) in 100% of blue tit and great tit nests, with nestling mortality higher in the more contaminated nest. @SongBirdSBS @SussexUni @CannelleTassin
Our latest research finds pet flea treatments (fipronil and imidacloprid) in 100% of blue tit and great tit nests, with nestling mortality higher in the more contaminated nest. @SongBirdSBS @SussexUni @CannelleTassin
Reposted by Ben Raskin
We rank bottom of 27 countries for high rates of unhappiness among 15-year-olds. There is a #MentalHealth crisis. Schools forced to become competitive #ExamFactories, with rigid, intolerant discipline, are a big factor.
#HouseofLords debate on free schools and academies
#HouseofLords debate on free schools and academies
January 24, 2025 at 1:51 PM
We rank bottom of 27 countries for high rates of unhappiness among 15-year-olds. There is a #MentalHealth crisis. Schools forced to become competitive #ExamFactories, with rigid, intolerant discipline, are a big factor.
#HouseofLords debate on free schools and academies
#HouseofLords debate on free schools and academies
It's out today, hurray!!
We review the new #Silvohorticulture book by Andy Dibben and @benraskin.bsky.social published today by Chelsea Green 🌳🥕🌳☘️🌳"It gets to the roots (pardon the pun) of the many practical issues that...are not always things people know about" #agroforestry agricology.co.uk/blog/silvoho...
'Silvohorticulture: A Grower’s Guide to Integrating Trees into Crops' - A Review - Agricology
Janie Caldbeck reviews a new book by Andy Dibben and Ben Raskin that provides a much needed tool for silvohorticulturalists.
agricology.co.uk
January 16, 2025 at 9:41 AM
It's out today, hurray!!
Reposted by Ben Raskin
New opportunity! Garden Folk CIC is seeking a Volunteer Event Coordinator to run seasonal fairs at Purple Patch Market Garden 🌸 🍃
Love planning, community events, and supporting not-for-profit projects? This role is for you!
www.gardenfolk.org/news/2024/12...
#BristolGoodFood #GetGrowingTrail
Love planning, community events, and supporting not-for-profit projects? This role is for you!
www.gardenfolk.org/news/2024/12...
#BristolGoodFood #GetGrowingTrail
January 6, 2025 at 5:05 PM
New opportunity! Garden Folk CIC is seeking a Volunteer Event Coordinator to run seasonal fairs at Purple Patch Market Garden 🌸 🍃
Love planning, community events, and supporting not-for-profit projects? This role is for you!
www.gardenfolk.org/news/2024/12...
#BristolGoodFood #GetGrowingTrail
Love planning, community events, and supporting not-for-profit projects? This role is for you!
www.gardenfolk.org/news/2024/12...
#BristolGoodFood #GetGrowingTrail
Reposted by Ben Raskin
There is a lot of talk about ‘food security’…
So I wrote this (and it got a sexed up headline :-)
unherd.com/2024/12/a-fo...
So I wrote this (and it got a sexed up headline :-)
unherd.com/2024/12/a-fo...
A food apocalypse is coming
unherd.com
December 21, 2024 at 8:06 AM
There is a lot of talk about ‘food security’…
So I wrote this (and it got a sexed up headline :-)
unherd.com/2024/12/a-fo...
So I wrote this (and it got a sexed up headline :-)
unherd.com/2024/12/a-fo...
Reposted by Ben Raskin
Lindsay Whistance shares her insights into the link between animal welfare & resilience in livestock farming. She explains the meaning of animal welfare, its connection to resilience, and how the Re-Livestock project research is addressing these issues.
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
Re-Livestock – Animal Welfare Interview with Lindsay Whistance - The Organic Research Centre
Lindsay Whistance shares her insights into the link between animal welfare and resilience in livestock farming in this interview as part of the Re-Livestock project
www.organicresearchcentre.com
December 20, 2024 at 5:28 PM
Lindsay Whistance shares her insights into the link between animal welfare & resilience in livestock farming. She explains the meaning of animal welfare, its connection to resilience, and how the Re-Livestock project research is addressing these issues.
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
www.organicresearchcentre.com/news-events/...
Reposted by Ben Raskin
Orchards & Wood Pastures
Farmers in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Gloucestershire we'd love to hear your views.
Take the survey here - max 10 minutes to complete
forms.gle/F3PzfEC8WgiX...
Could even get paid £50 for longer interview if you're in Severnscapes project area
Farmers in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Gloucestershire we'd love to hear your views.
Take the survey here - max 10 minutes to complete
forms.gle/F3PzfEC8WgiX...
Could even get paid £50 for longer interview if you're in Severnscapes project area
December 3, 2024 at 7:50 AM
Orchards & Wood Pastures
Farmers in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Gloucestershire we'd love to hear your views.
Take the survey here - max 10 minutes to complete
forms.gle/F3PzfEC8WgiX...
Could even get paid £50 for longer interview if you're in Severnscapes project area
Farmers in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Gloucestershire we'd love to hear your views.
Take the survey here - max 10 minutes to complete
forms.gle/F3PzfEC8WgiX...
Could even get paid £50 for longer interview if you're in Severnscapes project area