Marlon Bonas, Organic Food Producer and Nature Expert

Marlon works at The Causeway Retreat as an organic food producer and a nature expert. He holds a National Diploma in Countryside Management obtained at Caple Manor College in Enfield, Middlesex and he is 31 years old.

Here is a letter written by himself about his works at The Causeway Retreat:

Osea Island consists of 400 plus acres of natural resources, farm land, and of course is surrounded by English coast line.

I came to the island with the purpose of making the best use of land and sea. By utilizing it's natural resources, incorporating some new one's, our aim is to create a simple, yet effective small holding, by which we can be self sufficience, in providing the majority of client and staff daily meals.

I have already begun to clear out some of the land for farming, on which will be planted a large vegetable gardens. Some of these include: brassicars, carrots, onions, shallots, potatoes (new and main crop varieties), sweet corn, runner beans, peas, squashes of various varieties.

In the near future, I shall begin construction on a large poly tunnel, in which will be planted tomatoes (sun gold, beef steak, gardeners delight, plumb tomatoes), a large variety of chilies (poblano, scotch bonnets, cayenne), cucumbers, sweet peppers, some tender herbs, such as basil, Thai basil, and the starting off of seedlings.

I have completed the chicken pen, housing 30 laying red hens. Being an animal lover, our hens are released into the fields during day light hours, so that they are producing free range eggs, and then secured at night to protect them from predators. Along with the hens will be some other foul, including; norfolk turkeys, indian runner ducks, aylesbury ducks, pheasant, which we have in abundance.

One of our many woodland areas has been converted to house our glouster old spot, and saddleback pigs. Pigs being natural woodland creatures, should find the area familiar, comfortable, and near to ideal. We shall be doing our own cured bacon, and dry cured hams.

Some of you already are aware that we have some sheep on the island, you will be pleased to know that we are introducing wiltshire horn, which are hardy, and loose their own fleece, which will reduce stress on the sheep from sheering. We will be producing our own lambs in the spring...

Least but most certainly not forgotten, my Milly, a ferrets, along with Hal, a greyhound is helping control the massive rabbit population, which will be going into our delicious game sausages.