14 Comments
User's avatar
Jenny at Tyddyn Y Coed's avatar

This makes me weep. I work for a tiny charity set up by farmers who wanted to do something environmental. We're meant to play nicely and work in partnership with the big boys, govt, and all those "leading restoration"

But I was bought up in a woodcraft group in the 80s when lefty environmentalists were considered the weirdos, and my folks had "watched to much of 'the good life'" (to be fair that last bits probably true)

It makes me weep seeing folks who've been trying so hard for so long being swept under the carpet now the monies on the table.

If the big boys were actually getting it right it wouldn't be so bad, but there's a wealth of knowledge that's just being ignored, and huge errors made because of it.

Ignoring all of the above, I follow your account because it gives me hope, I have a huge amount to learn and you are quite obviously worth learning from and listening too. Please keep on keeping on and sharing so beautifully 🙏

Jackie Bridgen's avatar

Thank you, Jenny. That's so encouraging, and humbling.

Sally Morgan's avatar

Tough read Jackie, but on a bright note I read the words 'organic conserversion' so a big welcome to the world of organics - I know it won't make any difference to the way you farm other than you'll be recording more perhaps but I think it's important to get the certification

Jackie Bridgen's avatar

Thanks, we had a crack at it a few years ago, and failed so we're hoping to get it right this time!

Tim Connolly's avatar

Jackie I'm so sad for you and other small farmers. Hope dies only when we lose each other and we have that yet. I think about you and Tanja and others I've come to know and love for their fierce spirits here daily. If they would just get the fock out of the way you'd be better.

Jackie Bridgen's avatar

It's just so ridiculous that BIG things, corporations, institutions, conglomerates, are RUINING everything for everyday people, and we stand by helplessly while it happens.

Melanie Leavey's avatar

What can I say, really? The sh*t just keeps on piling up, shoveled on by half-wits and bureaucrats...which are often the same thing. *sigh* Praying for you...and rain...lots and lots of rain. xo

Jackie Bridgen's avatar

"Halfwits and bureaucrats" Definitely two sides of the same coin!

Joyce Reynolds-Ward's avatar

So many hugs.

Jackie Bridgen's avatar

Thank you 🙏🏻

Nick Coleman's avatar

They'll tell you that their bloody great tractors won't damage the soil cos they have wide tires. Bullshit, years later can still see the damage.

Jackie Bridgen's avatar

Honestly, Nick, the number of people saying "Oh it will be back to "normal" brie you know it!"

Yes but it wasn't *normal* was it? It was extraordinary.

Tanja Westfall-Greiter's avatar

Oh, Jackie. It's all so royally f*ked up. I admire your determination. I've also been ostracized by established farmers, back when we were in the Tyrol. They can all go to you-know-where.

Jackie Bridgen's avatar

They so can!