Managing organic grassland - Rob Jeffery describes how to convert from intensive chemical fertiliser-based techniques
	HERE at the NewLandOwner organic farm in lowland Derbyshire, converting to the organic management of grassland, from intensive chemical fertiliser-based techniques, has been one of the most rewarding achievements of my farming career.

	Bugs – who needs them? – They are mostly ignored but Claire Waring looks at the essential part bugs play in life
	HOW can anything a few millimetres long possibly be significant in the great scheme of things? We hardly notice these minute bugs and readily swipe and squash them without a second thought. After all, in a swarm of midges, there are hundreds if not thousands of individuals, so who is going to miss a few that are bothering us?

Focussing on green issues

WITH climate change, rising food prices worldwide and the peak oil crisis all hitting the headlines on a daily basis, it is no wonder that these topics seem to be on the tip of everyone's tongue - at work, at market, in the pub and even on the soaps! As with such hot topics, there are inevitably some conflicting ideas about the "ways forward", and while much responsibility for decision-making will occur at national and regional level, much responsibility will rest with those of us working at a very local level to implement the daily and fundamental changes required to face the challenges ahead.

Tackling pesky pet problems - Lucy Halliday looks into organic methods of pest control for the kitchen garden

IF there is anything that characterises the organic gardener it is an approach to pest control that relies on natural methods and using nature to your advantage rather than resorting to chemical controls. However, given the huge number of ways to keep your garden pests under control, it's handy to get an overview of what the organic gardeners' arsenal has to offer so you can pick the right method for your particular problem.