1) Organic …
At the moment, some of our volunteers are working to improve biodiversity in the vineyard with a greening project, adding sections of organic wildflowers and planting new trees in both our fields.
If you're wanting to create a better, organic environment in your own garden, check out Garden Organic UK 's top tips for November:
2) Volunteering …
Did you know that volunteering offers many health benefits? It has found to lower stress, boost self-confidence and decrease depression. There are all sorts of ways to volunteer – visit Do-It.org to see what is available near you. Or for our local readers there are opportunities to volunteer at the vineyard or Forty Hall Farm's market garden. Pleaseclick here to find out about volunteering in the vineyard or contact fortyhallfarm@capel.ac.uk for opportunities on the farm.
3) Vegan …
It was #worldveganday on the 1st November and we're proud to be one of the few organic, vegan friendly English wines on the market .
As so many of us are embracing a plant based diet or reducing meat intake there's lots of vegan recipes and blogs to inspire. This hearty slow cooker vegan Irish stew by Tinned Tomatoes is a nice seasonal recipe as the weather begins to turn cold.
If you're local, come along to the monthly farmers' market at Forty Hall Farm (November 10th) Urvashi Roe will be demonstrating some excellent simple recipes using the veg from the market garden's Enfield Veg Co.'s weekly bag. Come and be inspired! We'll also be there selling our vegan friendly wines.
4) Social Enterprises …
Social enterprises are businesses that aim to make a profit and then reinvest or donate their profits to create positive social change. There is now an online retailer dedicated to selling high quality products from social enterprises – The Social Supermarket
From Elvis and Kresse handbags made from decommissioned fire hoses, soap made by people with visual impairments, relishes made with wonky fruit and veg, and Forty Hall Vineyard wines! We also feature in their "Luxurious Hamper" here. Great gifts for Christmas!
5) Flourish...
Last year we were thrilled to be awarded Lottery Funding through their community fund for our three year Flourish project. In the past year we have been able to invite local refugee and asylum seeker communities and women’s groups in to experience the vineyard and take part in well-being classes.
The national Lottery recently celebrated its 25th birthday and we join them in giving thanks to the £40billion its players have raised for good causes across the UK since 1994. #NationalLottery25
