Sustainable Practice and Policy at Magdalen Farm
Magdalen Farm is striving towards sustainable practice in its use of energy and resources. We are seeking to achieve this through developing appropriate policies in the following areas:
Transport
To reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions we try to encourage visitors to use the railway to Crewkerne Station (8 km from Magdalen Farm)
For local journeys we try to use cycles (and bike trailer for small loads) whenever practical. We seek to use fieldwork sites on or close to the farm which are accessible on foot or cycle.
Limited use is still made of hired minibuses for journeys to coast, though in future we plan to acquire an electric or gas powered vehicle.
Food
At present, vegetables, milk and cheese are obtained from organic sources on the farm. Other supplies are mainly from local retailers. We plan to increase the proportion of organic farm produce to minimise energy used in transportation and to ensure wholesome produce free from artificial chemicals.
Energy
Magdalen Farm is currently dependent on conventional energy sources (gas and electricity). Conservation of energy is implemented through careful insulation and monitoring of energy use as well as through the use of reclaimed materials in building restorations. Progressive development of a mix of renewable energy sources is planned (biofuels, wind, solar and small scale hydro) with the eventual objective of our becoming a net energy exporter.
Waste disposal
At present, a septic tank stores sewage and grey water. Farm slurry is returned to the fields to sustain soil fertility. Kitchen wastes are composted or fed to pigs.
Ecological cleaning products are used to minimise the release of phosphates.
We are beginning to develop composting toilets to be offered as alternative to conventional flush toilets and further development is planned of a reed bed systems for grey water and conventional toilet effluent.
Possible further developments include a biodigester for methane capture from slurry.
Recycling
Recycling is set up for cans, glass, paper, plastic and organic kitchen waste. We seek to reduce waste packaging through increasing use of local food supply.