From the Earth – Soil Health
Over this historic life weekend we will consider how important soil and soil health have been over centuries, and techniques used to support this as well as our concerns today. This relates to both arable farming as well as gardens, which might produce vegetables for the pot, herbs for medicinal use and other purposes. Through informal talks and displays or demonstrations we will look at how crops were rotated, cover crops that added in nutrients, intensively of farming and climate conditions from the Saxon era to today.
Find out about the Museum’s historic gardens and orchard; nettles and flax as sustainable materials; dye plants and tools traditionally used to work the land. Talk to a local farmer about their move to organic farming. This is also National Mills Weekend, so our millers will be on hand to explain the milling process and more about the Lurgashall Watermill.
A full programme of the talks and demonstrations can be viewed here daily flyer 7 – 8 May (subject to change).
Also find out more from the following organisations:
- Chichester Beekeepers Association
- Denmans Gardens
- Full Circle Farms – regenerative farming
- Goodwood Estate, the Goodwood Educational Trust
- South Downs National Park Authority
- The Countryside Charity, Sussex
- The Soil Association (with the Countryside Charity stand)
- Tony Lucas and Flowers from the Farm
- Transition Chichester
- West Sussex County Council, Recycling team
Information for Visitors
The Museum’s historic buildings are fascinating places to explore, plus you can learn how food was prepared in the Tudor kitchen and how flour is milled in the watermill – where you can buy grain and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Also enjoy the fresh air and see the heavy horses and the other traditional breed farm animals including chickens and geese. There are lovely woodland walks and children can explore our woodland play area and family activity barn.
Our waterside café will be open (serving 9.30am–3pm), plus there are indoor and outdoor picnic areas. Dogs on leads are welcome and there is ample free parking. Please note that the Museum is a no-smoking site. Visitors with access needs are advised to read our accessibility page in advance of their visit.
All activities are subject to change.
Historic Life Weekends
For 2022 we have new topics in our popular series of Historic Life weekends. There will be a chance to chat to experts, see demonstrations and displays as well as explore the Museum. These are ideal for people specifically interested in the subject areas, as well as those generally interested in a topic and looking for an enjoyable, relaxing day out with a difference.
