Farming enthusiast Jane Scotter, known for promoting biodynamic farming, discusses her collaboration with renowned chef Skye Gyngell and her latest undertaking.
In a serendipitous turn of events, renowned farmer Jane Scotter has taken on the role of head grower at Heckfield Home Farm, following a life-changing phone call from vegetable-led chef Skye Gyngell in 2014.
Scotter's journey began in 1996 when she left her job as a partner at Neal's Yard Dairy and bought a smallholding with a farmhouse dating back to 1732 in Herefordshire. Her initial venture, Fern Verrow, was a romantic notion for growing fruit and vegetables, but it soon blossomed into a thriving organic farm that has been praised by chefs and food writers, including Nigel Slater.
Gyngell, who was looking for a farm to work with, was particularly impressed by Scotter's dedication to organic and biodynamic farming. Biodynamic farming, developed by Austrian philosopher and esotericist Rudolf Steiner in 1924, is an ecological and sustainable farming system that treats the farm as a living organism, aiming for self-sufficiency in inputs like manure and animal feed. It rejects chemical fertilizers and pesticides and focuses on enhancing soil fertility and plant health through natural preparations, composting, and the timing of farming activities according to lunar and planetary cycles.
Scotter, who is Demeter-certified, was more than happy to continue her work with Gyngell. In 2014, she accepted the position of head grower at Heckfield Home Farm, which is located on a 400-acre estate that supplies Heckfield Place hotel in Hampshire.
Since taking up her role, Scotter has worked tirelessly to make Heckfield Home Farm the best biodynamic farm in the country. Her passion for the farm is evident, and she has no plans to retire. In fact, she is looking to convert more land, inject more color and beauty into the landscape around the farm, and provide training and development for the team.
Gyngell, who is also the culinary director at Heckfield Place, has developed an extraordinary connection with Scotter that goes beyond most chef-supplier relationships. Their collaboration has been instrumental in Heckfield Place becoming the UK's first biodynamic certified hotel in 2020.
For those interested in learning more about Jane Scotter's work, more information can be found at createacademy.com and heckfieldhomefarm.com. Scotter currently resides in a flat near Heckfield Home Farm, where she continues to nurture the farm and its produce with the same dedication and passion that has made her a trailblazer in biodynamic farming.
[1] Steiner, R. (1924). Agriculture Course. GA 337. [2] Steiner, R. (1924). Lecture on Biodynamic Agriculture. GA 266. [4] Demeter International. (n.d.). Biodynamic Farming and Gardening. Retrieved from https://demeter-international.org/en/biodynamic-farming-and-gardening/
- Jane Scotter, once a Partner at Neal's Yard Dairy, embarked on a new journey in 1996 by purchasing a smallholding in Herefordshire, which included a farmhouse dating back to 1732.
- Her initial endeavor, Fern Verrow, was a dream of growing fruits and vegetables, but it evolved into a flourishing organic farm, gaining praises from chefs and food writers like Nigel Slater.
- Skye Gyngell, needing a farm for collaboration, was especially drawn to Scotter's commitment to organic and biodynamic farming, a method originally developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1924.
- Biodynamic farming treats the farm as a living organism, promoting self-sufficiency in inputs and rejecting chemical fertilizers and pesticides, focusing more on enhancing soil fertility and plant health through natural preparations, composting, and the timing of farming activities according to lunar and planetary cycles.
- In 2014, Scotter accepted the position of head grower at Heckfield Home Farm, a 400-acre estate supplying Heckfield Place Hotel in Hampshire.
- Since taking up her role, Scotter has worked diligently to establish Heckfield Home Farm as the best biodynamic farm in the country, planning to expand the farm's acreage, introducing more vibrant hues and natural beauty to the surroundings, and providing training for the team.
- Gyngell's connection with Scotter has surpassed typical chef-supplier relationships, and their collaboration helped Heckfield Place get recognized as the UK's first biodynamic certified hotel in 2020.
- For individuals curious about Scotter's work, more information can be found on createacademy.com and heckfieldhomefarm.com, where she continues her dedication to cultivating the farm and its produce as a pioneer in biodynamic farming.
