A Brief History of Organic September

Organic September was started by the Soil Association twenty years ago, the UK's leading charity campaigning for organic farming and sustainability. Every year, this month-long celebration raises awareness about the benefits of organic farming - for the planet, for animals, and for us.

It's a great reminder of how small, everyday choices can have a big impact on the planet.

Why Organic?

Why does organic matter? Simply put, organic farming avoids harmful synthetic chemicals and encourages biodiversity. Organic farms focus on working with nature, not against it. This helps protect wildlife, enhance soil health, and reduce pollution. It's all about creating a balance where both people and the planet can thrive.

At the heart of organic farming is the idea that healthy soil leads to healthy plants, animals, and people. By using natural processes to enhance the soil, organic farmers can produce food in a way that nurtures the land rather than depleting it.

What We Do on the Farm

We have been organic for twenty years and this way of farming plays an important role in the organic movement by taking care of our land and livestock in a way that respects the delicate balance of nature. Parts of our farm are classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which means they're areas protected for their unique habitats and wildlife.

Here's how we care for the land, animals and wildlife on our farm:

• Encouraging Wildlife: We're lucky to host a wide variety of wildlife, from rare birds to butterflies, to wildflowers. We maintain and enhance these habitats through careful management, ensuring that nature is left undisturbed as much as possible.
• Sustainable Practices: We don't use harmful chemicals on our land, so the biodiversity here can flourish. Our focus is on creating a natural balance, which is why we prioritise using organic materials and sustainable methods in everything we do.
• Growing Slowly: The cattle are native breeds, which are left to graze outside all year round, producing a slow-grown, sustainable and highly flavoursome protein product at the end of their life.
• Supporting Pollinators: Bees and other pollinators are vital to healthy ecosystems, and we make sure our farm is a haven for them. By allowing wildflowers to grow freely and avoiding the use of pesticides, we give these essential insects the space they need to thrive.

Enjoying Organic September on the Farm

During your stay with us, we hope you'll take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that organic farming helps preserve. Whether you're wandering through the wildflower meadows, spotting birds in the SSSI areas, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll through this special corner of Lake District countryside, you're experiencing the benefits of organic stewardship first-hand.

To visit another organic farm near Matson Ground, we always recommend a trip to Low Sizergh Barn, a dairy farm with Farm Shop, just outside Kendal. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or cake, all made freshly in their café. And you can watch the cows being milked daily at 3.30pm from the café viewing gallery.

We're proud to be part of this movement and to share it with our guests. So, while you're here, take a deep breath of fresh country air, marvel at the wild beauty around you, and know that together, we're supporting a healthier, more sustainable future.