This collaborative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop aims to equip producers with nature-friendly, practical techniques that build business resilience while reducing chemical reliance.

The event takes place at Henbant, an 80-acre permaculture farm in Snowdonia. Henbant is a pioneering farm committed to building community, enhancing biodiversity, and producing nutrient-dense food. Their philosophy is centered on holistic decision making - a whole-system management framework that guides farmers to evaluate choices based on their simultaneous social, environmental, and economic impacts.

Matt Swarbrick (farmer) and Helen Peart (grower) will lead a theory session on diverse planting and grazing systems practiced at Henbant. Practical application segments will explore specific strategies to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, including:

• Utilizing flowering strips and companion planting for beneficial insects.

• Integrating natural predators and managing pollinator pathways.

• Selecting pest-tolerant varieties to improve crop resilience and soil health.

• Regenerative grazing systems and pasture species diversity

These methods contribute to sustainability goals, including cleaner waterways and improved crop performance. Additionally, this workshop contributes to the CPD requirements under UA4 of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

We thank Neal’s Yard Remedies for sponsoring this event.