Situated between Dartington and Buckfastleigh, Dart Valley Fungi specialise in the cultivation of high quality certified organic exotic mushrooms.

Our farm grows King Oyster, Shiitake, Lions Mane, Maitake, Reishi and various other medicinal mushrooms.

This opportunity is truly multifaceted learning all about the cultivation of exotic mushrooms including: cloning, substrate mixing, inoculation, mycelium behaviours, grow-room parameters, harvesting to processing for delivery to customers.

You will be trained to fulfill these responsibilities whilst developing in-depth and innate understanding of the magical fungi world.

Live in Vehicle Space only ( you will need your own accommodation)

DRIVING NOT ESSENTIAL

This very unusual placement will be working with Penny on a kitchen garden which produces food to directly supply the restaurant - Nestled in the heart of the Riverford farm, penny grows different varieties that are chosen for flavour and to inspire their restaurant guests to try something a little different.

NO ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED

DRIVING NOT ESSENTIAL

https://fieldkitchen.riverford.co.uk/

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.

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.

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

ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED

DRIVING AND OWN CAR DESIRABLE

Shillingford Organics is located on the outskirts of Exeter, near Shillingford Abbot. They grow a wide range of organic vegetables, throughout the year and some fruit. They grow some specialised and protected crops but most veg is grown on a field scale with a focus on being efficient whilst working with Nature; thus supplying good food at an affordable price to the Exeter area.

They are offering two RESIDENTIAL placements where you will learn about commercial growing for a box scheme and selling at Farmers Markets.

A fabulous opportunity to learn with very skilled and well established growers in a diverse business.

ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED

DRIVING AND OWN CAR ESSENTIAL

https://shillingfordorganics.co.uk/

The Apricot Centre @Huxhams 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, as well as offering a wellbeing service and nature connection activities. They are offering four placements - RESIDENTIAL or LIVE IN VEHICLE SPACE where you will learn how to grow commercially on a small scale for a box scheme and market. - An exciting opportunity to learn on a very diverse farm.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED - DRIVING NOT ESSENTIAL BUT DESIRABLE

https://www.apricotcentre.co.uk

The Sharpham Trust is looking for up to three well-organised and flexible people to join the garden team.

The Trust is a registered charity caring for the historic Grade I-listed Sharpham House and Estate on the banks of the River Dart near to Totnes. At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is the desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally-sustainable world. The charity connects people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses, public events, outdoor learning and the arts.

Trainee Gardeners will gain a comprehensive training in all aspects of running a kitchen garden using organic and sustainable principles, alongside managing ornamental gardens, lawns, woodland and orchards.

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 charitable work and mindfulness would also be an advantage. Trainees will have some opportunity to experience the Trust’s programme of mindfulness meditations, courses and retreats.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED

DRIVING AND OWN CAR NOT ESSENTIAL

https://www.sharphamtrust.org/

Lower Sanduck Farm is a 100-acre mixed farm situated just outside the village of Lustleigh, on the Dartmoor National Park. The farm comprises 20 acres of fruit (blueberries), mixed fruit orchards, grazing pasture, woodland, and a vegetable garden. There is a small flock of sheep and alpacas for fibre and fleece, and chickens for eggs. Growth plans for 2024 include the introduction of beehives, a cut flower patch and herb garden, and exploring mushroom cultivation too. The family also own other businesses in the surrounding area including Zero Waste Moretonhamstead and The Wool Loft, where produce from the farm is sold.

Work will include taking care of the land including cultivation and harvesting, taking care of livestock including feeding and shearing, as well as fruit and fibre processing. This is a new and developing farm and would suit someone who is comfortable working in a varied environment, exploring and experimenting. You will help make the farm economically viable which will include getting involved in business planning, organising harvesting and camping facilities, finding routes to market and developing new ideas to grow and develop this exciting sustainable business.

Accommodation is likely to be a shepherd’s hut with shared facilities.

Due to the remote location and nature of the work, driving is essential.

Hilltown Organics is on the North edge of Dartmoor and comprises a mosaic of habitats and microclimates where veg and fruit growing is combined with harvesting wild edibles, nurturing the land and creating habitats for wildlife. The site is 25 acres and includes a young forest garden, about half acre of veg beds, 4 polytunnels, a meadow, 2 hen paddocks, culm grassland and woodland.

We use agroforestry, natural farming and permaculture techniques, working towards creating a natural balance so that we need to intervene the least possible. We have no-dig raised beds of polycultures between avenues of trees and grow mixing crops, herbs, wild edibles and flowers. We also have 2 flocks of laying hens. All our produce is sold thru our co-operative run shop. We also raise and sell veg plants. A big part of our time is also spend running educational activities on the land.

A placement here will be suitable to someone interested in learning about the wilder side of growing in harmony with nature and creating systems that are self-sustaining and produce nutritious foods while enhancing biodiversity and nurturing wildlife as well as all those other aspects of managing a diverse piece of land and creating a wide range of products and services to generate income. Learning about retailing and/or educational landbased activities is also on offer.

Basic accommodation in a caravan is provided. Driving is essential

ACCOMMODATION IS PROVIDED

DRIVING AND OWN CAR ESSENTIAL

https://www.facebook.com/hilltownorganics

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 are a relatively newly established family-run farm striving for sustainable, permaculture and organic principles and on a journey of experimentation ourselves to see what works best. We look after about 40 fully free-range pigs, and a small flocks of hens, ducks and heritage turkeys, the latter which we sell for Christmas alongside Christmas Trees. We are also establishing a one acre pick your own fruit and veg enterprise using Hügel beds. We currently manage all this and more alongside a small business and with a small child and so would love a student to bring their enthusiasm and learning to us to help us slowly turn these farm projects into a viable and manageable reality. 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.

Driving is helpful but non-essential.

BASIC ACCOMMODATION OF CARAVAN IS PROVIDED-

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

A family owned Dairy Farm with beautiful native cross bred dairy cows grazing holistically and saving the planet. William and Tanya have been implementing regenerative practices since 2003 including herbal leys, pond creation and a permaculture woodland. With views across the Tamar Valley ANOB, as the crow flies just three miles from the centre of Plymouth and 2 miles from Dartmoor National Park.

Trainees will be expected to work hard to maintain our high animal welfare standards. Trainee days start at 5am and finish usually around 6pm. ( you have time off in between shifts) Sometimes you may be expected to help at night during our busiest times but there is always cake! #porshamcakes.

During the placement year we will give you the skill set, technical ability and business management to be able to run your own profitable food enterprise. We have built a nurturing and dedicated team which you will become part of, gaining experience in all roles throughout the year.

ACCOMMODATION IS PROVIDED WITH A CARAVAN

DRIVING AND A CAR IS ESSENTIAL

https://porshamfarm.co.uk/

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.

We offer accommodation. Driving is not essential but may be desirable.

ACCOMMODATION IS PROVIDED

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

Lurcombe Farm is situated on the southern slopes of Dartmoor and is already on a regenerative journey.
With a small herd of ruby red Devon cattle, apple orchards, beehives, growing areas and a cut flower farm providing a sustainable source of produce. Nick & Sarah are offering 1 x NON RESIDENTIAL placement where you will join them in learning about sustainable farming practices, help implement permaculture designs, livestock management (bees, chickens, and cattle), farm & woodland management, growing flowers and helping with the kitchen garden.

A very exciting opportunity for those who would like an all-round experience learning from a committed team of Permaculture enthusiasts. CAR ADVISABLE

It’s a hands on role that will entail most aspects of countryside and estate management. In 2024 the Trainee will gain an understanding in:
● Off Grid water supply & management
● Expansion of solar power and solar capture
● Woodland planning and creation (2ha) alongside The Woodland Trust
● Planning management & replacement of Ash due to Dieback with The Woodland Trust and Saving Devon’s Trees project
● Countryside Stewardship, implementing standards; Hedgerow, Grassland, Woodland
● Participation in the Sustainable Farm Incentive Pilot
● Applying for Sustainable Farm Incentive (ELMS)

The Trainee will be involved with:
● Flower growing and harvesting to sale
● Foraging for a yield (Art, Flower Farm, Health & Wellbeing)
● Woodland Management
● Fruit tree pruning
● Apple harvesting, pressing, bottling and sale
● Applying biodynamic preparations
● Harvesting Birch Sap
● Responsibility for enhancing their own small garden and grounds
● Carbon sequestration assessment
● Soil health analysis
●General ground maintenance & gardening
● General care of livestock
● General farm maintenance
● Pond Management
● and more…

Check out our Instagram here:

@ourfarmsfuture
@thedartmoorartist
@homefarmcafe
@thewyldcollective

NO ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED - DRIVING AND A CAR IS ESSENTIAL

https://www.ambios.net/

Actively work to reprioritise the value of nature, encouraging an abundance of wildlife habitats and restoring ecosystems. At our farm on the Sharpham Estate, and in our partnerships and projects, we strive to create more space for nature. We mentor and inspire the next generation of conservation professionals by providing a relevant and real world learning environment. Hope is here, and much can be achieved when we work together.

This placement will offer a focus on conservation and food growing.

“What Ambios does is completely unique. You can find conservation training anywhere, but I don’t think there’s another place that offers this level of practical tuition and immersive learning with such a current, sector-leading approach.”

ACCOMMODATION IS PROVIDED

Down Farm is a one acre Organic market garden based in Winkleigh, North Devon. We are a workers co-operative made up of 4 experienced growers and friends, and use an innovative mix of tools and techniques to grow a diverse and flavourful mix of vegetables, herbs, soft fruit and cut flowers year round.


Our produce is sold locally via a weekly veg-box scheme, at Exeter and Crediton farmers markets and through wholesale to restaurants, shops and cafes. This will be our second year hosting an apprentice, and we wish to fully immerse you in the day to day running and working of our intensive and productive organic market garden. There will be opportunities to learn all aspects of organic growing and gain hands-on experience working in the field and the polytunnels where many aspects of the Level 3 course will be put into practice day to day.


We are looking for someone who is eager to learn and is hard-working in all weathers, and who can work independently and as part of a wider team.


This placement is primarily a non-residential one, but the option for someone with their own live in vehicle/caravan is also a possibility. Previous experience is helpful but by no means essential.

https://www.down-farm.com/

Jim’s organic veg garden is situated in the taw valley, near Burrington, North Devon and is a part of

Higher Hacknell Farm, a mixed organic farm. A variety of vegetables are grown for sale at a local

market and for a veg box scheme, delivering to the local villages.

The main role for the trainee, would be helping in the veg plot to grow veg from seed, plant, weed,

maintain and harvest the crops. Most of the work will be with hand tools, especially in the

polytunnels. There would also be opportunities to work with livestock, maintaining hedgerows and

fences and to participate in other seasonal farm activities, from processing firewood to making

traditional cider.

Tim and Jo Budden have been farming organically at Hacknell for over 30 years, and their son jim has

been growing veg on the farm for the last 7 years. It is a great opportunity for someone who wants

to gain experience and work in organic farming.

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE

DRIVING AND OWN CAR ESSENTIAL

https://www.jimsorganicveg.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063629078330

Teign Greens is a Social Enterprise providing weekly organic vegetable bags to local people in the Teign Valley South Devon. It was established in 2020 by Tim Dickens and Holly Budgen 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. This summer we will provide up to 80 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.

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE DRIVING AND OWN CAR ESSENTIAL

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

Located near Exeter, we have been farming organically for 27 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.

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.

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE DRIVING AND OWN CAR ESSENTIAL

Instagram:

@roddys.organics