This unit introduces the concepts and methodologies of regenerative land based systems, why they are needed to offset climate change and how to evaluate their impact. In a time of climate change, biodiversity loss and the need to produce healthy food, regenerative food systems are able to meet these challenges. Regenerative systems are a complex set of farming and land based methodologies. In this unit, learners will be introduced to the breadth of these methods and how the impact of them can be assessed in a land based business.

This unit introduces learners to soil science concepts and practice, including the carbon cycle and soil biome as key components of regenerative land based systems. Learners will be introduced to recent changes in the understanding of soil science, to include soil ecology and the carbon cycle. They will understand how to manage soil to mitigate and adapt to climate change. They will understand the importance of soil science as a key concept in how to manage land in regenerative systems.

This unit introduces learners to the science and ecology of plant and crop growth, which are key components underpinning the management of regenerative land based systems. Learners will understand that regenerative cropping systems are based on ecology, the carbon cycle, and a deep understanding of a reciprocal and circular model of food production. Learners will be introduced to these concepts in the context of crop production and how they can be managed to produce food.

This unit introduces learners to the science, nutrition and behavioural aspects of holistic livestock management in regenerative land systems. Learners will understand how livestock can be incorporated into regenerative systems, to improve the soil ecology and biodiversity. Learners will understand how livestock can be managed to reduce their carbon footprint, and to fit into complex carbon and nutrient cycles, and how to maximise their health and welfare in a land based system. The unit will include apiculture and functional biodiversity on a system.

This unit introduces learners to the principles and ethics of Permaculture. Learners will be introduced to the origins and principles of Permaculture as a design methodology for designing sustainable land and non-land based systems. Learners will understand how Permaculture is part of a toolkit that can be used for creating regenerative land based systems. Learners will develop an understanding of how Permaculture design practice, ethics and principles are applied to the built environment as well as develop a range of personal and interpersonal skills that inform how they can use these skills in ethical and regenerative systems. This unit leads to a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) qualification awarded by the Permaculture Association alongside the Level 3 qualification.

Discover how Nature and regenerative farming helps heal us not just physically, and how you can provide more than just food from your land.

In this unit, learners will be introduced to the concepts and types of agroforestry systems and their use in regenerative land based systems. Learners will explore how trees are incorporated into the farmed landscape as silvo-arable, silvo-pastoral and silvo-horticulture systems, as well as food forests. They will identify suitable tree species for different soils and sites, and understand the benefits and challenges of using trees in a farmed landscape. They will understand how to design effective agroforestry system for a farm.

In this unit, learners will be introduced to provide an introduction to simple business planning methods, business structures and community supported agriculture systems. Learners will explore how regenerative land based systems aim to re-localise sales and shorten the supply chain, and the methods of achieving this. Learners will understand that businesses need to be economically regenerative, pay fair wages, and to become financially sustainable in the long term. Learners will be able to explore how to model business “for purpose” rather than profit.

Numbers are not enough for success; you will also learn how to plan the long term future, funding and running of your land-based business.

In this unit, learners will be introduced to the principles and practices of Biodynamic farming systems. Learners will explore how Biodynamic farming was the first ecological farming system to arise. They will also understand how it offers a unique approach to farming and food systems. Learners will gain an overview of this system, its principles and practices and its codification, and how it differs from organic systems.

In this unit, learners will be introduced to all aspects of water including water cycles and the management and usage of water as part of a whole farm approach. Learners will explore how healthy water management can provide balance in the storing and use of water. They will understand how many traditional ways to hold the water in the landscape that were practiced indigenously all over the world are being rediscovered and redeployed within a modern understanding of geology and the water dynamics of climate and farming. Learners will understand how to apply water management principles it in the context of a farm.

In this unit, learners will understand how the quality of food from a regenerative system differs from the quality of food from and industrial food system. Learners will understand how sourcing food from a regenerative system affects consumer health in relation to increasing the range and amount of fresh fruit and vegetables they eat. They will explore how Industrial foods are often are lower in nutrient levels and secondary metabolites as they contain pesticides, and high levels of nitrates, both of which impact human health. Learners will also explore the complex issues of food poverty in regenerative systems.

Introduction

The Hillyfield is a small woodland restoration project on the edge of Dartmoor, just between Totnes and South Brent. We look after 46 acres of mixed woodland and pasture, a stretch of the river Harbourne, orchard, willow osier, coppice, and some livestock (currently chickens and pigs). We work as a team, with a small group of willing helpers engaged in all aspects of land management. We've looked after the land since 2010. The forestry work includes running a sawmill and making firewood, timber products and caring for the young trees we have planted.

Accommodation

Helpers stay in a caravan. We are currently building some improved accommodation in timber cabin type caravans.

Placement summary

The main role is assistant woodland manager and support with growing. As a key part of the team your placement will involve taking care of chickens and livestock, help in the garden with growing, training on forestry tasks to take a responsible role in activities such as charcoal making & bagging, cutting timber on sawmill, firewood processing, ride management etc.

Desired skills and experience

You will be really keen to get involved in a working woodland. Flexible and happy to be part of a team / family environment, and able to work responsibly under your own steam. Important is to have a driving licence (ideally your own vehicle), or be a keen cyclist. Helpful if you have a chainsaw qualification although this can be worked towards. Experience in volunteering and living close to the land will make the experience of being out in the woods more digestible! Skills in carpentry or a willingness to get involved in practical skills desirable. Willingness to learn and engage / experience in growing and animal husbandry desirable.

Other helpful information

Although on a cycle path, and very close to a main road, we are fairly remote. Bus is a 30minute walk away. Nearest town (South Brent) 35minutes. Totnes a 40minute cycle away (and 1hr back). Need to discuss any extra things like partners / pets or other needs.

Website

https://www.thehillyfield.co.uk/

Introduction

The Trust is a charity, caring for the historic Grade I listed Sharpham House and Estate on the banks of the River Dart close to Totnes. Our ethos is the desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally-sustainable world. We do this by connecting people with nature and fostering mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses, public events, outdoor learning and the arts. The 500-acre estate is managed organically and includes 3 retreat centres, rewilding fields, a natural burial site, reed beds, marshes, wildflower meadows, farms and gardens. The House was the family home of Maurice and Ruth Ash from 1962, until Maurice died in 2003. In the early 1980s, Ruth and Maurice founded The Sharpham Trust as a charity, which had as its basis a marrying of Eastern and Western philosophy. Maurice was much influenced by Wittgenstein and Buddhism. The Sharpham Trust was tasked with caring for Sharpham House and Estate and taking forward Maurice and Ruth’s passions including the arts, Buddhism, conservation and rural regeneration. This placement is based in the 10-acre gardens overlooking the Dart that surround Sharpham House. The gardens consist of a walled kitchen garden, lawns, ornamental borders, orchards, a woodland garden, and wildflower meadow.

Accommodation

We provide fully-equipped accommodation on-site. A shared 3-bedroom bungalow with all the amenities, right next to the gardens and with a view down the River Dart to the nearby town of Totnes.

Placement summary

As a trainee at Sharpham, you would be working in the 10-acre gardens overlooking the Dart that surround Sharpham House. You will work in a variety of horticultural spaces and gain comprehensive training in all aspects of running an organic kitchen garden, managing ornamental borders, lawns, woodland and orchards. You will also spend time gardening with people on retreat here in a mindfulness setting. You will join a team who work hard to provide a beautiful, ecologically managed space where wildlife can thrive and people can connect deeply to nature. The majority of your time will be spent outdoors in the gardens learning through doing. Work is divided across the growing spaces to give you experience of preparing beds, sowing seeds, potting on, planting out, mowing lawns, strimming woodland areas, harvesting, working in our polytunnel and 100-foot glasshouse, pruning, maintaining borders, composting, and more. Daily tasks for trainees include: - Checking propagation areas and caring for seedlings - Helping to coordinate harvests, communicating with chefs & keeping accurate records - Harvesting herbal teas & creating dried tea blends - Harvesting cut flowers for bouquets - Managing our compost systems - Watering crops and checking irrigation - Tidying the tool shed, clearing up after garden work, cleaning tools, locking up spaces Weekend duties are shared between the 3 trainees on a rota and include opening and closing the polytunnel and glasshouse and watering seedlings. Duties will take less than 2 hours across the weekend.

Desired skills and experience

This is a role for someone who is well organised with excellent communication skills and the ability to work on their own initiative, as part of a small team. Previous experience might be helpful but is not required and training will be given on site. You will have an interest in sustainable food growing and ornamental gardening as well as flexibility and a sense of humour. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, practical and willing to learn and contribute to a hard-working team. An interest in the Trust’s environmental aims and mindfulness would also be an advantage. Trainees will have some opportunity to experience the Trust’s programme of mindfulness meditations, courses and retreats.

Other useful information

We are located 3 miles from Totnes and on the edge of the village of Ashprington. Having a car is an advantage but not essential as there is a direct bike path to Totnes which takes 50 minutes to walk and 25 minutes to cycle. From Totnes there are good public transport links by bus and a train station with good national links. We are a small team who work closely together and you will be living and working with your fellow trainees 24/7. It would be an advantage if you have previous experience of shared living, are communicative, respectful and open-minded so that everyone can enjoy a harmonious experience. Head Gardener Amy has a dog who joins us daily in the gardens.

Website

https://www.sharphamtrust.org/

Introduction

Located near Exeter, we have been farming organically for 28 years, we are a mixed farm of 300 acres. We grow about 25 acres of fresh vegetables for local and London markets, with 9 polytunnels. We have a small team who work all year around picking and packing. We grow kale, spinach, leeks, courgette, potatoes, cabbage, french beans, tomatoes, celeriac, PSB, swede and some winter salads. We have a herd of 45 pedigree Hereford cows which produce a single suckled calf each year, spring calving. We also rear turkeys for the Christmas market.

Accommodation

Accommodation included on-site.

Placement summary

The trainee will be involved with all aspects of the farming enterprises at all times in the farming calendar. This is a commercial farm, we have good machinery and water so can irrigate most areas when required.

Desired skills and experience

Driving tractors, use of machinery, a driving licence.

Other helpful information

Driving and own car essential.

Instagram:

@roddys.organics

Introduction

Ambios Ltd is a not for profit nature conservation/nature recovery training organisation. we have a history of project delivery around training the next generation of wildlife professionals, and over recent years we have created a centre on the Sharpham Estate, South Devon. at Sharpham we provide traineeships to people looking to establish and develop their careers in the nature sector. the traineeships are foundation level, with introductory content around specieis id, habitats assessment, practical countryside skills through to interpretation and outward communiction. our centre is a working farm and nature recovery project, on 130 acres of rolling south Devon hills, that involves rewilding, livestock handling, organic horticulture growing and wood pasture creation. we host trainees as well as work in partnership with a local charity for adults with learning difficulties who carry out much of the day to day work on the farm.

Accommodation

Your accommodation will be in your own private room. Your residential experience will be shared with others, living as part of a community of like-minded trainees and volunteers. Your own room will be either in our bunkhouse accommodation or in a wagon tiny home. You will have access to a well equipped kitchen, comfortable living room and shared bathroom.

Placement summary

Your role will be split between our educational organic horticulture market garden and our community forest tree planting initiative, supporting public engagement, volunteers, trainees and educational activities and events. your work in the market garden will be in assisting our gardener in scaling up our garden productivity, and overseeing the chages we have intended for upgrading our soil, improving our growing beds and enhancing access. your time with the tree planting efforts across the farm will follow the seasons, planting in the winter, building tree guards in the summer, as well as supporting livestock grazing and interactions with pasture management.

Desired skills and experience

No prior skills required, though a positive outlook and willingnes to learn. a current driving license favourable. main attributes are good work ethic, problem solving attitude, ability to get on well with people, ability to work well in a team, ability to follow instructions, but to have autonomy over your own work and be able to manage multiple priorities at once, growth mindset.

Other helpful information

You will live and work on our farm on the beautiful Sharpham Estate, overlooking the river Dart valley. our farm is a 40 minute walk to Totnes, our local town, 15 minute bike ride. parking is available on the farm. you will share the placement with one other trainee. We will accept couples.

Website

https://www.ambios.net/

Introduction

We are a 26 acre small holding on the edge of Avonwick, a small village between Totnes and Ivybridge with our nearest town being South Brent 2 miles away. We (Sacha and Jacqueline, both mid 40s) are a relatively newly established farm striving for sustainable, permaculture and organic principles and on a journey of experimentation ourselves to see what works best. We are not from farming families but have many years of experience growing and looking after livestock on a smaller scale. Just over four years ago we took the plunge to become guardians of this bit of land. We look after about 40 fully free-range pigs, and a small flocks of hens, ducks, geese and heritage turkeys, the latter of which we sell for Christmas alongside Christmas Trees. This year sees the stage one completion of a one acre 'pick your own' fruit and veg enterprise using Hügel beds. We currently manage all this and more alongside another small business and with a small child (almost 3 years old). We would love a student to bring their enthusiasm and learning to us to help us to continue to slowly develop these farm projects into a viable business. We are currently having a really positive experience with an Apricot Centre student this year and so welcome this mutual support next year too. We can offer you varied tasks and a friendly personable approach. If you are a flexible person, willing to change tasks daily, willing to down tools when the pigs escape, and are not put off by a farm as yet not set-up to run itself, then you could like it here with us.

Accommodation

We live in static caravans ourselves, so we have a touring caravan as accommodation to offer a student. This has its own kitchen, cooker, oven and fridge inside. There is a bathroom in the caravan but more comfortable facilities are available in the barn with a toilet, sink and shower. We are also building a toilet block as part of our diversification facilities so there will be that available too by next year. You would be welcome to use the laundry facilities in our caravan and also join us for meals periodically.

Placement summary

There are a variety of tasks with our placement. Daily tasks: Pig feeding and poultry feeding twice a day; egg collecting. Weekly tasks: weeding, planting, mulching, slug checking, restrawing of pig stys, top dressing of chicken house. Monthly tasks: sowing, harvesting. Seasonal tasks: digging with mini-digger/landscaping; fencing; weighing of fruit/produce for customers; counting in pork products from the butcher; dock and rush cutting. Optional tasks: marketing, leaflet design, web design; running a small Saturday market stall; strimming track; serving customers; constructing and repairing animal housing.

Desired skills and experience

Driving licence would be preferable as we are not on a bus route, but not essential. Basic horticultural knowledge would be an advantage but not essential as training given.

Other helpful information

No bus route but fairly good cycle route to South Brent (2miles away) which has regular buses. Must be happy working alone at times.

Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/GreensladeFarm/

Introduction

Trill Farm Garden is a 5 acre market garden run by Kate Norman and Ashley Wheeler for the last 14 years. We grow a wide range of organic vegetables, salads and herbs selling through our box scheme and locally to restaurants, cafes and shops. We also produce seed commercially for seed companies such as Real Seeds and Vital Seeds.

Accommodation

We have wagons available for trainees. These are simple but comfortable - fully insulated with wood burners and small kitchens. There are compost toilets and a shower in the garden.

Placement summary

The traineeship involves a structured placement, covering all of the usual aspects of market gardening from crop planning, all the way through to sales and basic business management. There will be responsibilities such as propagation and irrigation that are taken on by the trainees, and there will be opportunities to learn how to use the two wheel tractor and quad bike.

Desired skills and experience

No experience required.

Other helpful information

The farm is fairly isolated and it is recommended that trainees have a car so that they can be fully independent.

Website

https://www.trillfarmgarden.co.uk/

Introduction

Teign Greens is a Social Enterprise providing weekly organic vegetable bags to local members in the Teign Valley South Devon. It was established in 2020 to provide a resilient local food system in response to the Covid Pandemic and has grown quickly since. The Market Garden is based on 5 acres of land at Oxen Park Farm, in Lower Ashton, and shares many resources, buildings and machinery with the wider farm, also home to the education CIC On The Hill. This summer we will provide up to 100 weekly veg boxes to customers using a ‘community supported agriculture' scheme, meaning members commit to buying the veg over a whole year. Volunteers are a key part of the growing and harvesting of the vegetables, led by a core team of experienced growers. The farm is organic and biodynamic, and producing our vegetables in a way that supports nature and biodiversity is a key priority for us.

Placement summary

We're a small team and our trainee will be fully immersed in all aspects of the organisation. We'll expect you to take on a lot of responsibility, and be part of team meetings and decision making. Often, you'll be working alongside our friendly volunteer team, tending crops, picking and packing veg bags. Other times you may be working independently on tasks we've explained to you like seed sowing or weeding. In the winter, its much quieter and you might help with admin on the computer, maintenance jobs or even deliveries. By the end of the year, you should have a good sense of how to grow a variety of crops throughout the year and manage a CSA market garden.

Desired skills and experience

A driving license, ability to take initiative & leadership experience is essential. Some experience working on a market garden preferred.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available on-site in a caravan. Can house a single trainee or a couple.

Other helpful information

Teign Greens is based in a beautiful but remote location, with extremely limited public transport so a car is a must! We would accept couples.

Website

https://www.teigngreens.co.uk/

Introduction and placement description

We are first generation shepherds (neither of us are from a farming family) running a highly diversified sheep farm. We keep a flock (220 + ewes) of native Dartmoor sheep on approximately 120 acres in the parish of Chagford, Dartmoor spread over two main land holdings. Our sheep are 100% pasture for life registered and lamb outdoors in April. We also keep two Tamworth breeding sows which rotate around our wooded/brash areas, supplying pork to the local pub.

We sell pretty much everything produced (sheepskins ,wool , hoggett and mutton) direct to consumers. The wool and sheepskins are used in our on farm workshop where our two stitchers make them into a range of interior products and accessories. These are sold in our shop in Chagford which is run by us and another team member, via our website, at shows and events including RHS Chelsea Flower Show and on a wholesale basis to a select group of wholesale stockists including The Newt in Somerset, Soho House and the V&A museum. Our meat is sold in boxes via our website with full UK postage offered as well as to our local pub. We also hold a small amount of farm tours and on farm events.

We have been trying to operate a rotational grazing system with our sheep for the last 3-4 years, moving the flock every 1 to 3 days. Up to now lack of infrastructure has made this more difficult than planned however we are currently working with Precision Grazing consultants and the National Park to create a planned rotational grazing system with new mobile and semi mobile water and fencing infrastructure sourced from Kiwi Tech. This is part of a wider project where we are working with the Devon Wildlife Trust to measure the carbon in our soils and use our flock to increase carbon levels sequestered via grazing. This is a very exciting project which will require a lot of work to get in place, anyone joining us will spend a lot of their time helping with implementing and developing this plan as well as helping manage the flock and occasionally overseeing the farm when we are away at events (this will only be once you are fully trained up!). Once our new infrastructure is in place we would also like to introduce cattle to the farm.

Up to now we have been 100% tenanted however we have recently purchased 24 acres nearby. We are working with Precision Grazing consultants, The National Park and Devon Wildlife Trust to extend our grazing plans over this land as well. We are also working with the Woodland Trust on our owned land to plan and implement a silvopasture system. Furthermore we will be looking to extensively renovate the owned land over the next 12-18months. This will include wetland improvement, the planting of new hedges and silvopasture, extensive refencing, reseeding with herbal leys, the building of a new barn and yard area and the planting of a small Christmas tree plantation for our Christmas tree enterprise we run from the farm in December. Anyone joining us will be heavily involved in this work as there is a lot to do!

We are also looking into introducing a small rhubarb operation onto the new owned land.

Our business is very diverse and exciting (if a little hectic). You will be part of a small team of 5 (including ourselves) however it will be the student and ourselves who are involved on the farming activities. We are at an exciting point with lots of new plans, there will be lots of hands on work both with us and independently on your own once you have learnt the ropes. There may also be the opportunity to help on the business side of things and possible part time paid work available in our shop or at events.

We are active on instagram so please take a look at our page and our website to see what we do!

Accommodation

TBC (We are currently arranging accommodation in the area, but we will definitely have space for a live-in vehicle as a backup solution, though it is unlikely this will be needed.)

Desired skills and experience

The trainee will need to have a UK driving licence (you will be insured on our farm trucks and quad bike etc). Any chainsaw or ATV tickets/licences would be great but definitely not essential as we will look to provide training to obtain these if you do not have them.

Other helpful information

There are a couple buses a day from Chagford to Exeter and other towns. Our farm base is approx 1 mile from the town. Chagford is a very welcoming place with a great sense of community and lots going on.

Website

https://thedartmoorshepherd.co.uk/

Introduction

Nestled between the stunning Jurassic Coast at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, and the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve, our 221-acre pastoral farm is dedicated to producing premium-quality, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, alongside pastured meat chickens, turkeys, and geese for the festive season. Guided by the principles of Holistic, Regenerative, and Organic farming, our approach draws inspiration from esteemed figures like Joel Salatin, Richard Perkins, and Allan Savory, ensuring that our animals lead happy lives while contributing to the ecological balance of our land.

We sell all we produce through our website and self-serve on-farm shop, providing our local community access to our organic, pasture-fed meats. We welcome Trainees eager to learn about our farming practices and hone skills in animal husbandry, low-stress livestock handling, Holistic Management, mob-grazing, pasture-raising poultry, and more.

With your collaboration, we aim to introduce new ventures, enrich our farm's ecology and diversity, expand our local following, and continue championing the importance of 'real' food and regenerative farming.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided in a three-bedroom static caravan (mobile home). Trainees will be allocated their own bedroom and will share the kitchen, toilet, shower, dining and TV/living room facilities. Laundry facilities are available along with High-speed WiFi.

Placement summary

Trainees will participate in a range of farm activities, including animal care and management, grazing planning, fence building, general farm tasks, maintenance and construction projects, and assisting with meat packing, customer orders, and capturing content for social media. As our farm operates seasonally, your tasks will vary throughout the year, from spring and summer to autumn and winter.

Desire skills & experience

While prior farming experience is beneficial, we provide comprehensive training for all tasks. What matters most to us is your shared enthusiasm for authentic food, organic farming practices, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment.

Other useful information

Travel & Transport: We are well connected by train and by bus with train stations nearby in the city of Exeter & Exmouth town, as well as national bus connections running to Exeter. We have bicycles available for Trainees to borrow. We are only 2 miles from the seaside town of Budleigh Salterton.

Website

https://www.farm2fork.co.uk/

Introduction

The Apricot Centre @ Huxham's Cross Farm is nestled in the heart of Dartington, they are a 35 acre Biodynamic farm that grows a variety of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, with a small herd of cattle and pigs. The traineeship is held by the farm team, and the centre also offers a wellbeing service, design consultancy and nature connection and forest school activities.

Accommodation

Shared house accommodation provided in Totnes. Some form of commuting (bus, bike, walking or driving / carpooling) will be necessary between accommodation and farm.

Placement summary

Students will take part in all aspects of the market garden and farm activities in rotation, from the veg round pack-house to market gardening to flowers to animal care to working on the Friday Totnes market stall.

Desired skills and experience

No prior experience necessary, all skill levels welcome, training will be provided.

Other helpful information

Driving is not essential but useful (see accommodation). Since we are a mixed farm, a comfort or openness to working with animals is important.

Website

https://www.apricotcentre.co.uk

Introduction

Baddaford Farm is the home of Riverford founder Guy Singh-Watson’s and his wife, Geetie Singh-Watson. The farm is situated in beautiful South Hams, not far from Dartington. They are offering two RESIDENTIAL placements, ideally suited to those with an interest in organic commercial farming, especially growing perennial fruit and vegetables. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn alongside skilled and experienced growers, as well as being part of a wider community of like-minded, independent businesses, as Baddaford is also home to the Baddaford Farming Collective. The Collective is a small cohort of 5 land-based businesses, which means working and living at the farms offers the trainee an opportunity to be truly immersed in a diverse community of small-scale farmers.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided on-site (see more information below).

Placement summary

You will be part of a small, diverse core team of 4, which rises to 20+ during peak periods. The mission of Baddaford Farm is to demonstrate that ethical, organic farming can be commercially viable, so, expect the work to be physically demanding. Baddaford grows mainly perennials, important food crops for the future of ecological farming, therefore the work may be less varied than other placements, but this provides a rare opportunity to experience and understand commercially minded ethical farming.

You will be expected to work hard, but we offer above normal allowance, weekly veg box, gorgeous self-contained accommodation, the use of communal spaces, and internet and all bills are included.

Other helpful information

Driving and own car desirable due to location.

Website
https://www.baddaford.co.uk/collective/baddaford-farm-partnership

Introduction and placement summary

3 acre organic market garden on the Dartington Estate, structured as a CIC and functioning as a CSA. We grow to provide 100 veg shares each week for our members. Growing-wise, we have a BCS 2 wheel tractor, other than that it is people power. We are 2 main growers, we have a weekly volunteer day which is a good social occasion, and seasonal events through the year. We also grow a number of commercial seed crops and sell salad to a few local businesses. As a small team, our work is diverse from veg growing to business planning, event planning, and managing groups of volunteers. We enjoy the diversity of this.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided.

Other helpful information

Driving is not essential but may be desirable.

Website

https://www.schoolfarmcsa.org.uk/

Introduction

Chagford CSA is a ten-acre community-supported Organic market garden on the north-east edge of Dartmoor supplying 140 CSA veg-shares a week to local households. We are going into our sixteenth growing-season and looking to recruit two hard-working, enthusiastic trainees to join our growing team from January-December 2025. We have recently moved onto a new growing site where we are developing a silvo-horticultural system using woodchip and biochar from our coppice woodland to build fertility and soil-carbon within our rotation.

Accommodation

Clean and tidy caravans with double-beds, woodburners and cooking facilities. We also offer use of our wood-fired riverside sauna.

Placement summary

This will be our fourteenth year hosting trainees on the market garden. We are able to offer an informal but comprehensive apprenticeship programme providing training in all aspects of setting-up and running a successful community supported market garden, from crop planning to propagation, tractor-driving, cultivation, transplanting, organic crop husbandry, harvesting, marketing and business management. From January-March there will be a focus on woodland management in our coppice woodland with the primary growing season kicking-off from mid-April. We provide clean and tidy caravans for accommodation on our site along with a field kitchen, spring water & compost loo. We also offer the £80/week as a living allowance in addition to fresh vegetables from our fields. In return we ask our trainees to work four days a week, 7.30am – 4pm, to be enthusiastic, practical and willing to learn and work as part of a hard working team.

Desired skills and experience

No previous experience necessary. Typically we favour candidates who are enthusiastic, hard-working and willing to learn as part of a small growing team.

Other useful information

The trainee accommodation is on our original growing site 1-mile to the east of Chagford with good access to public transport, walking distance to the local pub, woodland walks and the river Teign for swimming.

Website

https://www.chagfordcsa.org/