04 Aug August in Besullo – Embracing Regenerative Living
Greetings from Besullo!
August is upon us, bringing with it the height of summer and the vibrant energy of the harvest season.
This month, we focus on the importance of biodiversity in creating resilient farming systems, while continuing to celebrate the ancient festival of Lughnasadh. Let’s dive into these themes and see how they beautifully intertwine.
Biodiversity: Promoting Diverse Plant and Animal Species
Biodiversity is the cornerstone of a healthy, resilient ecosystem. By promoting a variety of plant and animal species on our farm, we create a balanced environment that supports all forms of life.
Here are three ways we enhance biodiversity in our regenerative farming practices:
Polyculture Planting: Growing multiple crops together in the same space mimics natural ecosystems and promotes healthier, more productive plants. This practice helps control pests, reduces disease spread, and improves soil fertility.
Habitat Creation: Providing habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals encourages natural pest control and pollination. Planting hedgerows, wildflower strips, and leaving patches of natural vegetation create a welcoming environment for diverse species.
Integrating Livestock: Including animals like chickens, goats, and sheep in our farming system contributes to nutrient cycling, soil aeration, and pest management. These animals also provide additional sources of income and food, enhancing the farm’s resilience.
Lughnasadh: Celebrating the First Harvest
Lughnasadh marks the first harvest and the beginning of the grain season. This ancient Celtic festival is a heartfelt celebration of the earth’s fertility and the abundance it provides. It’s a time to honour the bountiful gifts of nature and the interconnectedness of our lives with the land.
Traditional Lughnasadh celebrations include:
Feasts: Communities come together to share meals made from the first harvests, including bread, fruits, and vegetables. These feasts are a time to give thanks for the abundance and to connect with one another
Games: Athletic competitions such as foot races, wrestling, and tug-of-war are common, reflecting the spirit of competition and celebration of physical strength and skill.
Rituals: Ceremonies often involve making offerings of the first grains to the gods, performing dances, and lighting bonfires. These rituals symbolize gratitude and the hope for continued fertility and abundance.
Combining Biodiversity and Lughnasadh
The principles of biodiversity and the celebration of Lughnasadh are deeply connected.
Just as the Celts celebrated the earth’s fertility and the bounty it provided, promoting biodiversity on our farm ensures that we can continue to enjoy nature’s abundance. By fostering a diverse range of plant and animal species, we create a resilient ecosystem that supports sustainable harvests year after year.
Personal Reflection
As I walk through our fields and see the myriad of life thriving here, I am reminded of the intricate web of connections that sustain us. Celebrating Lughnasadh in Besullo is a time to honor these connections and to express gratitude for the earth’s gifts. Each species, from the smallest insect to the largest tree, plays a crucial role in the health of our land.
Book Recommendation: Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy
This book of offers valuable insights into creating habitats that support a diverse range of species.
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Together, we can create a vibrant, thriving community committed to regenerative living. Stay tuned for the next Regenerative Farming newsletter. Thank you for being a part of this journey 🙏
In Joy we Share 
Lara
ULRIKA Living
