Integrating Sheep into Viticulture at Silverhand Organic Vineyard

This event is part of the South East Pasture & Profit Programme for farmers and landowners in High Weald, Kent Downs and Surrey Hills.

Join shepherd Carrie Worgan for a walk among the vines at the Silverhand Estate to see how Romney and Hebridian sheep are being used to graze the vineyard. We will look at the benefits including:

• Keeping down vegetation around the vines
• Fertilising the vines
• Reducing tractor passes to reduce soil compaction

Carrie will share her experience and we will explore the opportunities and challenges of grazing sheep between the vines during the dormant period. We will also be joined by Tim Steele who works with the cattle on the farm, so there will also be a chance to learn how cattle and sheep are being used for conservation throughout the estate.

There will be teas and coffees upon arrival. We will be taking a walk to the vineyards so please make sure that you have appropriate footwear for the weather.

Wine Tasting: All attendees are invited to a wine tasting straight after the event kindly offered by Silverhand Organic Vineyard. You can indicate whether you would like to stay for this on the booking page.

About Carrie Worgan

Carrie has been looking after sheep for 13 years. For many years she was on a mixed hill farm in Northumberland where she worked with both sheep and horses, then in January 2023 she moved to the Silverhand Estate in Kent and took over the management of the 400 Romney sheep and a small flock of Hebridean sheep. The sheep are used to graze the vineyards and for conservation grazing throughout the Estate.

About the Silverhand Estate

Silverhand Estate produces English sparkling wine and has established the largest single organic vineyard in the UK, covering an area of more than 600 acres.https://silverhandestate.com

About the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation

The RVF is a global charity dedicated to inspiring the transition to regenerative viticulture through science, communication and support for growers. One of the key practices is the integration of livestock into the vineyard for weed control and for reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilisers (more information). Based in the UK, there is an active local group which runs workshops, open farm days and a whatsapp group. Please email becky@regenerativeviticulture.org for info.