Black Isle Farm and Gardens
Since 1998 we have proudly been exhorting beer drinkers to Save The Planet, Drink Organic, but with the very real threat of climate change already at our doorstep, society is increasingly aware of an impending environmental disaster that organics alone cannot fix.
The collapse of bees and other pollinators, birdlife and wildlife; reduction in air quality, pollution of the seas, and destruction of woodlands and soil have graphically illustrated that human life is out of balance with nature.
The Black Isle ethos is to seek new ways to minimise our environmental impact and maximise biodiversity in the place we live and work. In addition to over two decades of organic brewing, we have welcomed volunteers from around the world for the past 20 years to work on the farm and in the garden to experience what it means to work not only in nature, but with it, growing organic vegetables for our bars and other cafes, and the local community.
More recently, we have been working with local schools bringing children needing additional support out to the farm This is a wonderful opportunity for them to spend time with animals, get their hands dirty, collect eggs, learn how to grow vegetables, forage and harvest what they’ve grown and make their own healthy lunch which we sit down to eat together in a warm, cosy kitchen. The increase in confidence, inner equilibrium, physical agility and maturity translates into better concentration and behaviour in the classroom and at home, reducing the need for intervention from social services. It is a simple scheme with what the teachers involved say brings ‘astonishing’ results.
We are also working with the UHI on a programme to evidence the mental health benefits of working outside in a richly bio diverse environment and will use the data collected to further our charitable initiative Flourish.
Flourish aims to tackle the growing crisis in mental well being in our children and young people - their lack of basic experiential knowledge about the natural world and how to grow their own food to increase food security by designing contemporary gardens and putting them into schools using permaculture and Agroforestry techniques. The gardens will be beautiful productive green educational spaces developed and maintained by horticultural therapists who will work with the children and teachers to deliver a diverse experience relating to the different academic disciplines. We are currently working on a JV with local schools to run a pilot scheme on the Black Isle.
Since 1998, we have supported organic farmers who have made a commitment to the health and well-being of our planet.
For any enquiries please contact us at office@blackislegardendesign.com
