Vocational Trip to Guy Davies' Anaerobic Digester, Little Ness

The group arrived at Red House Farm to a warm welcome from Guy Davies and his wife (and dogs!) with cool drinks all round - a very thoughtful touch on a warm, sticky evening.

After an introductory talk it was all aboard the 'bus' to head off to the chicken shed.  Red House Farm is set in stunning countryside so the early evening views were wonderful as we bounced along the country lanes in the covered trailer.

Upon arriving we had to don plastic shoe protectors and those of us who own chickens had to put on a rather attractive blue jumpsuit to avoid any cross-contamination.  A quick dip of our feet in an antibacterial solution and in we went.

Nothing could have prepared me for the sight of 56,000 22-day old chickens in their enormous shed.  They have been there since being tiny chicks and at 32 days old will be 'harvested', sent to Chester for 'processing' and thence on to supermarkets such as Tesco, Waitrose and Aldi.  Although well cared for (clean, warm, food and water in plentiful supply) I still found the sight of so many small creatures, whose only function is to grace our tables surrounded by roast potatoes and vegetables, something of a shock.

Back on the 'bus' to head for the main event: the farm's anaerobic digester!  Upon alighting we were greeted by a particular smell, part waste product, part organic, part its own unique scent, but quite powerful!  Guy is rightfully proud of his digester which contributes substantial kWh of electricity to the national grid (in fact 90% of the energy produced) as well as powering the plant and chicken operation.

Interestingly the digester needs a mixed diet to keep it healthy, much like us.  It is fed with varying quantities of rye, beet, grass, chicken muck and other waste products, for example whey residue from cheese production.

Back on the bus for the final time to return to where we started.  A very interesting and informative time was had by all and our thanks are due to Guy Davies for his enthusiastic narrative and to John Ward for organising such a fascinating trip.

Words and photos Jayne Middleton

They farm arable crops, chickens, sheep and solar panels and also run an anaerobic digester (AD) which produces electricity and heat for use on the farm.

They use modern technology and modern equipment to produce food for British consumers

In June 2014 they opened their doors for Open Farm Sunday so that the general public could come and have a look around the farm which more than 400 people did! 

Students from Reaseheath Agricultural College are also regular visitors to the farm.

Today, our group will be invited to look at the chicken sheds and then the anaerobic digester.

Afterwards, we will move on to have dinner at The Talbot Inn, Ruyton XI Towns.

We are going to see Guy Davies, Red House Farm, Little Ness, SY4 2LG. Basically you go through Nescliffe and turn left for Great Ness, follow the road round quite a large Z bend, after 1.5 to 2 miles (I have not measured it) you will turn left, 200 yards turn right and then there is a no through road on your left as the road bends right, the farm is diagonally in front of you on the left. Your sat-nav s will find it for you though.
In order for us to eat promptly at the pub in Ryton-X1- Towns after can you please let me have your food order ASAP, no later than Tuesday lunch time. Some of you not put on the list whether you are coming alone or accompanied but this will be decided, I hope, by what food you order.

STARTERS: Soup of the day( possibly cauliflower and stilton) £4.25
Smoked salmon with picked cucumber, croutes and herb dressing £5.00
Creamy garlic mushrooms with goat's cheese served on toasted bread £5.00
MAINS: Seabass fillet with roasted cauliflower, wild mushrooms and crispy bacon £14.95
Beer battered fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce £9.95
Chicken supreme with ham and cheddar crumble, carrots and roasted new potatoes £15.00
Sausage and mash with onion gravy £9.50
Please bring correct money.

Read more about the digester here