Band of Rogues (for the Rye)

We have around half an acre of gorgeous Hebridean Rye – a really special and ancient grain originally from the Uists. And it is in need of a band of rogues!!

It was sown sort-of accidentally and the seed got mixed with a bit of wheat. We need a band of rogues to help us go through it to rogue out the wheat, so that when we harvest the rye, it doesn’t have any “rogue” grains mixed in. This is an ancient and ongoing practice: pulling the unwanted crop out by hand in order to get pure seed of the crop you want.

Note: This one will be a bit weather dependent. If the skies say we should cancel, Lisa will email everyone either the evening before or first thing in the morning.

If you are free on the planned dates, please sign up here: volunteersignup.org/TELTF

Who Is This For?

You don’t need previous experience. For this session, you do need to be fairly steady on your feet and have a bit of stamina for walking. We supply gloves and any tools. Under 16s welcome, accompanied by an adult.

Access Notes & Directions

We will be outdoors working in the agroforestry alley where the rye is growing (within the market garden fenced area). There will be quite a bit of walking on rough grassy ground, and bending over to weed. No heavy lifting. The market garden is on the west side of the farm, near Cramond Road South. You can come in from Cramond Road/Barnton Gardens on foot or bike, but not by car. You can also walk or cycle across the farm from the east side (approx 15-20 minute walk).

Please dress for windy north Edinburgh.

There is a spacious, single cubicle, level access, gender-neutral composting toilet in the garden.

If you’re arriving by bike, please don’t turn right off Cramond Road South/Barnton Gardens – it’s a dangerous corner. Travel 50m onwards and go around the roundabout so you can get a safe left turn into the farm.