The Small Farm Training Group

Sourdough Bread Making
2024-02-11 11:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | Elim Cottage, Elim Cottage, Warbleton, East Sussex, BN27 4UX
Learn how make Sourdough Bread with Noa.

The workshop will take place in Noa's kitchen, on Tilley Lane, which is between Boreham Street and Windmill Hill, not far from Herstmonceux... (The last bungalow on Tilley Lane) the name of the house is Elim. There is parking just outside the bungalow. The post code is BN27 4UX and Noa's phone number is 07904115793.

Please bring an empty bowl, a tea towel and clothes you can get covered in flour with, and an empty jar.We will learn how to make a sourdough starter, and we will make one loaf of bread each, that you will take with you to bake at home. You will also bake one on the day and see the full cycle of the bread from first mix to last stretch and take the ready bread out of the oven (and we will be tasting of course...)Tea and coffee with sourdough cake will be provided...

Also please let us know if anyone has sensitivity to any food products/vegan etc

The first FREE Friday talk 2024…Hedgehogs!
2024-01-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Burwash Common Pavilion, The Pavilion, Burwash Common, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7NA, United Kingdom
I love them, but haven’t seen one for ages and ages so …..
Tas Clarke from Herstmonceux Hedgehog Rescue is coming to talk to us about how they rescue and rehabilitate hedgehogs. She’ll also cover how we can all help hedgehogs in your garden and in the neighbourhood and bring examples of things we can make at home that will help this endangered little mammal.
So a great talk to start the New Year!
Following some requests Burwash Common Pavilion will be open half an hour earlier at the new time of 6.45 with the talk starting around 7.15. I will then perform my “time ladies and gentlemen” act at 8.15 so the hall can be cleared and cleaned by 830. Aware this time might not suit everyone, so if you don’t approve please just let me know and we’ll go with the majority.
As usual free (to members) and just £3.00 to non members who are very welcome. Free snacks and free tea and coffee, just ask that you book please. Don’t forget cash or a card if you’d like to use the full bar. Burwash Common Pavilion on Friday 19th January 2024
Do bring a torch!

Come crafting in Punnetts Town!
2024-01-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Burwash Common Pavilion, The Pavilion, Burwash Common, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7NA, United Kingdom
Saturday 13th January 2-4pm.
Ever fancied dabbling in decoupage?
I’ve been incredibly lucky and been given lots of pieces of georgeous material which I’ve been decoupaging onto a table and chair set as well as making bowls. However still lots left so I was wondering which SFTG members fancied an afternoon of chat, cake, tea/coffee or wine plus decoupage. All you need to bring is scissors and an object(such as a bowl/chair) you’d like to decoupage. I’ll provide everything else. Numbers strictly limited to six as that’s the size of my kitchen table
just £4.00 pp to cover the cost of glue, tea/coffee/ cake etc

Christmas Wreath & Table Decorating
2023-12-16 13:00 | Misty Acres, Lower Horsebridge, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4DN, United Kingdom
Part of our country crafts - in this relaxing afternoon workshop you can catch up with members old and new whilst learning a new skill.Becky & Pete moved out from a nearby city during the height of the pandemic and set up Mistry Acres Flowers - We have enjoyed watching them as new (ish) members as they transform their garden and new business venture. You can find out more about Becky's Flowers at Misty Acres Flowers
On this cold and frosty weekend you can come along and meet fellow member Becky, who would love to show us how to make Christmas wreaths and table decorations with things you will find on your walks in the local countryside. Holly and berries will add a festive note with lots of colour - you are welcome to bring some from your own garden if you wish to incorporate it
The wreaths and decorations will all be fresh and hopefully will get us into the Christmas spirit, Becky has a covered area outside and will supply everything you need, please remember to wrap up warm though - fingerless gloves would be ideal!.

Misty Acres Flowers in the summer.

Felt bauble-making workshop
2023-12-03 10:30 - 12:30 | Jay's House, 17 Queens Drive, Ringmer, East Sussex, BN8 5FU, United Kingdom
Create your very own Christmas bauble, sheep, pig, robin or whatever you fancy. Learn from experienced felt maker and fellow SFTG member, Jay Kendall and take home your very own woolly creation. (And before anyone says it, yes, you can have sheep with white faces too… )
You should be able to make 1-2 baubles to take home on the day – Christmas outfits are optional, but very much encouraged.
The workshop runs for approximately 2 hours. Enjoy a relaxed a friendly atmosphere of a farmhouse kitchen table, learning a new skill, chatting to like-minded people and enjoying a cup of tea (and biscuits, of course!). All materials and refreshments are included in the price.
Suitable for complete beginners, you will be guided through every step by SFTG member, Jay Kendall. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome! It’s a nice relaxed and friendly class for a cold winters day. Members and Non SFTG members are welcome to this event.

Artificial Christmas Wreaths
2023-11-25 10:00 | Merrifields, Hackhurst Lane, Hellingly, East Sussex, BN27 4BP, United Kingdom
Artificial Christmas Wreath Making. Come and join Antonella for a morning of fun putting together your own Christrmas Wreath that you can bring out at christmas year after year.
Tea, coffee, biscuits and chatter will be on offer on the day, just bring yourself.

The 2023 AGM & Party!
2023-11-24 19:00 - 22:30 | Village Hall, Punnetts Town, Hall, Battle Road, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 9DH, United Kingdom
It's the most wonderful night of the year....*
The event everyone's been waiting for since last year's AGM - yes, it's THIS year's AGM!... More information will be coming out over the next few weeks about nominations, but for now, we need to organise catering, so need to know how many people are coming.
It's the rules! Each year, we must have an AGM at which the committee for the year ahead get voted in, and our members approve the Group's accounts. The committee will let you know what we've been up to for the past year, and you can ask questions. Then we can put any questions for the year ahead to a vote, as needed. It's also the chance for you to show your support for all the hard work our volunteers put in, keeping your group running.
The meeting part - essential for the running of the Group - will be short and sweet. But then the annual dinner can begin...
There will be laughter!
There will be fun!
There will be a new Chairperson! Like it or not! Because this is also Zoe's last year and we have to elect a new one!!
Doors will open at 7pm - the AGM will start at 7.30pm.
The food this year is going to be as fabulous as you'd expect from a crack team of local food producers!
*Note: There may be other wonderful evenings in your year, but this is the most wonderful one of our year.
The menu
To start:

Mixed table nibbles, including Pitta Bread, Dips and Olives

Followed by:

Pulled pork
Lamb Tagine
Vegetarian butternut squash curry
Free range Coronation chicken

All served with

Rice
Couscous
Roasted veg
Jacket potatoes and
Fresh Salad

"But wait - that's surely not enough" we hear you cry. No, of course not! Because we're following that feast with

Pavlova with fruit, made with free range eggs, and
Zoe's pumpkin pie

And after all that, Teas, Coffees and After Eights.
Everything on the menu - with the possible exception of the After Eights - will be home made, by Debbie Gordon, Denise Taylor, with much of the quality food supplied by our own members.
How much will this fabulous feast cost? Absolutely nothing - the AGM is COMPLETELY FREE to all our members.
But...
We do need you to book, so that we know how many we're catering for!
There are two ticket options below - one including the food, and one for those who'd like to come but don't want the food. Whichever ticket you go for, we'll provide a selection of wine, beer cider and soft drinks - although you're welcome to bring your own drinks too.
Please select the ticket you want, and book by November 17th at the latest!
All members are welcome to this event at the Punnetts Town Village Hall near Heathfield. The AGM will be short and sweet: the committee will report on what the SFTG has been doing during the past year and members will be asked formally to approve the accounts. There will be time for questions of course. Members of the committee and officers will then be elected.

Free fun quiz for Halloween
2023-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Lakedown Brewery Taproom, Lakedown Trout Fishery, Swife Ln, Burwash, East Sussex, TN21 8UX, United Kingdom
On Halloween eve , 30th October, don’t be scared of coming to our first ever SFTG fun quiz.
Lakedown taproom in Swife Lane, Burwash are opening just for us. There will be a fun quiz (with the emphasis on fun) with a professional quiz master, lots of beer, ( which is brewed on site) local wine and non alcoholic drinks to buy and SFTG are providing some snacks with the opportunity to buy more.
We’re going to pass a bucket round for anyone who’d like to contribute to the Teenage Cancer Trust but entry and participation for members in the quiz is completely free. All we ask is to please please book on the SFTG website don’t just turn up. It’s teams of up to six, but don’t worry if you don’t have a team just email catrionabush@gmail.com and I’ll put you in a team. There will be prizes at this event!!!!!!! Non members are very welcome but you MUST book a spot for everyone who wants to come so I can organise tables, quiz papers etc. It’s not an enormous venue so don’t leave it too late to book. For non members it’s a small charge …£3.00 each…members Free!
The taproom will open at 6pm with the quiz starting 6.45 and we have to be off off and away by 9pm. It’s on Monday 30th October. Please book !!
Any questions just email me and I’ll help
Cat x

FREE talk on wine, with a sneaky taste too!
2023-10-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Burwash Common Pavilion, The Pavilion, Burwash Common, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7NA, United Kingdom
Who else has discovered The Secret Vineyard? It’s at Lime Cross and is wonderful, besides lakeside views and yoga/Pilates retreats they make the most delicious wine. What’s not to like about that? You’ll get a sneaky little taste with the opportunity to buy…..but there’s also the full bar plus local cheeses and free tea and coffee.
Helen and Vicky, the owners, are kindly coming to Burwash Pavilion to talk about how they set the vineyard up using as few mechanical aids as possible and regen principles. Time for questions plus time for wine!
As it will be dark by the time we finish up, please do bring a decent torch to wend your way back to the car park!
Burwash Common Pavilion October 20th. The Pavilion will be open from 730 with the talk starting around 745. All this is free for SFTG members and a small £4.00 charge for non members. Please book, maximum of 40 people….so don’t leave it too long
Any questions please email catrionabush@gmail.com

Beginners Salami & Chorizo Making Workshop
2023-10-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Yaffingale House, Whitesmith, East Sussex, BN8 6JD, United Kingdom
Learn the basics of making a simple salami and chorizo, from the stuffing, to the fermentation process, the curing, and ultimately turn your excess minced meat into a delicious shelf stable product that doesn't need refrigeration. Part of our food security and food independence series of workshops, this introduction to salami making will enable you to preserve excess pork and beef mince. into a delicious product at less than 30% of the price.
We will look at the different types of casing for the salami and chorizo, different ways and equipment used to stuff your casings, as well as what flavourings you can use to flavour your meat. We will then look at how to start the fermentation effectively, and how to cure your product at home without it going mouldy or the skin drying out. Using 500grams of Free Range Yaffingale Pork from Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, you will then make a 250g chorizo, and a 250g salami for you to take home, ferment and cure at home, and you will be eating this product within just 4 weeks. This workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to make much more at home.
During the duration of the workshop, you will have the opportunity to taste home made salami and chorizo*, made from the same mince you will be using from the rare breed Oxford Sandy & Black free range pigs reared here. Price includes 500grams of free range pork mince, as well as casings, flavourings, and everything you need to make and take home your own produce.
* This workshop is set in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - Some salami's also contain nuts. Please inform the host of any allergies and do not put yourself at risk.

Harvest Bring & Share Picnic at Sanctuary Farm
2023-09-10 12:30 - 16:00
The committee look forward to welcoming all members and their guests to celebrate the end of the "summer of abundance" with our "Bring Your Own Booze - Harvest Bring & Share Picnic".
This year our Vice Chair Debbie Gordon is hosting us at Santuary Farm in Pick Hill - This is always a lovely afternoon where members are invited to bring a savoury, salad, or sweet dish or two to share at the Harvest table. There is always a huge array of different foods, many of which members have grown, reared, or made themselves - so it really is a celebration of our achievements over the year, whether you want to bring a lovely fresh salad, cheese and biscuits, salami, or a lovely sweet treat, all foods are welcome, and we can't wait to see what delights we can share.
Attendance at this event is completely free, but we do ask that you book a ticket to let us know if you are bringing either a sweet or savoury dish, or a salad type dish. (Just so we can make sure we have equal amounts of each). If your choosen food option says "Sold Out" please choose a different food ticket type.
We will provide basic soft drinks, cutlery, plates and bowls and glasses / cups for the event, please do feel free to free to "Bring a Bottle" - whether this is something alcoholic, or a special soft drink or cordial. Also a chair or blanket for sitting on if you want to eat in comfort.

EXTRA tour round High Weald Dairy
2023-06-08 15:00 - 17:00
The last tour was a huge success with lots of cheese tastings, cheesy jokes and fun round the factory. There was a waiting list so please book now before it gets full again…….
3pm on Sunday 6th August
Steves enthusiasm for the cheese was infectious. We started with a large tasting of the most scrummy cheese and then donned our protective clothing (which was provided) and were led round the whole process which was fascinating. The tour took around two hours. Comes very highly recommended

Honey Extraction Course
2023-05-09 19:00 - 21:00
A good introduction to honey extraction and the other products of the hive. A stand alone course which is suitable for anyone interested in keeping bees; demonstration and hands on, you will be using Ben and Maggi's honey room and will be getting sticky!! (It is advisable to bring an apron).

Free talk medical detection dogs 28th April
2023-04-28 19:30 - 21:00
What a Medical detection dog can achieve with their sense of smell is incredible and they really do change, and save, lives. I’m just thrilled they are coming to talk to us about their work on Friday 28th April at Burwash Common Pavillion.The charity trains dogs to detect the odour of human disease with the aim of developing faster, more efficient and less invasive diagnostics leading to better patient outcomes but that’s not all ….medical alert assistance dogs help with diabetes, PoTS and severe allergies to name but a few. Theyre also working to train dogs for bio detection work identifying for example the early signs of an urinary tract infection in someone who has had a spinal injury. This is particularly vital as such infections can rapidly become life threatening for those with this type of injury.
Do come along for this free talk and prepare to be fascinated. Snacks, tea and coffee provided free of charge. Bring cash or a card if you’d like to take advantage of the full bar. Please book so we can get food right!

How To Make Marmalade
2023-04-23 10:00 - 14:00
Have you ever wondered how to make Seville orange marmalade?
Jay Kendall is happy to teach you all you need to know, ingredients & jars etc will all be included and best of all you get to take your marmalade home at the end of the day.
The workshop will take around 3.5 - 4 hours so please bring a packed lunch with you but tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Please bring an apron.
There is plenty of parking available.

Meet the Member 22nd April 2023
2023-04-22 13:30 - 15:30
Come and meet Gwen and Tony, they have been very busy setting up their small holding and diversifying into different areas, they are currently busy setting up their shop which offers Lamb, Pork and seasonal vegetables, Gwen also makes preserves, soups and crumbles.
They have poultry and eggs for sale including rare breeds and Gwen makes her own liquid organic plant food.
Gwen and Tony will show you around and you can find out about their market garden, not just the polytunnel and growing, but the companion planting, what they feed to the pigs and what goes into the wormeries, why they have built the raised beds, common issues and how they resolve them, what works well and what is challenging on heavy clay. Followed by tea and cake.
Gwen and Tony are both interested to run workshops in the future so please let them know if you feel that you would like to know more about specific areas.
"Coldharbour Farm, Three Leg Cross, Ticehurst, TN5 7HN – follow the road down Cross Lane, past the Bull Pub, straight on, over the little tight hummock, past all the cottages on the left, last one being Sanctuary Cottage, then the next farm gate on the left is Coldharbour Farm. where you will find parking, please remember your wellies and dress accordingly with the weather"

An Introduction to Smallholding
2023-04-22 12:00 - 16:00, 2023-03-25 12:00 - 16:00
Perhaps you're about to take over a smallholding? Or are you relatively new to keeping land and animals? If so, perhaps you feel you'd like to talk the issues through with others in the same boat, and with someone who's been doing it for a while? If that sounds like you, then our "Introduction to Smallholding" workshop is just the thing for you.
Come and spend the afternoon finding out what smallholding entails from a practical perspective, as you visit this 7 acre plot. Paul Lovatt Smith has been working on the land for over 15 years, and has a wealth of knowledge that he's happy to share, including:

How to get started - we know it's all a bit overwhelming at first
What's involved with the paperwork and legal aspects, as well as the finances
A basic overview of keeping poultry, sheep, cattle and pigs
Growing veg
Making hay and growing small-scale cereals

Please note: this course will be held outdoors (and partly in a barn) - so please do wear suitable outdoors clothing, bearing in mind that this is England - it may well be cold and damp (or warm and sunny, boiling and dry, windy and snowing... you get the picture).
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

SFTG Quiz Night - CANCELLED!!!!!
2023-04-17 18:15 - 21:00
sadly lambing and Easter holidays meant we didn’t get enough interest to run the quiz in April, but it will be bigger and better in October. Watch this space for the new date !
A free quiz with prizes!!!!!
You Thank you to the Lakedown brewery and taproom for hosting this private event for us, Cat has arranged a super fun quiz night hosted by professional quiz master Terry. Taking place on Monday April 17th, you can have teams of 2/3/4 people, or simply join a team when you get there.
Lakedown tap room will be supplying beer and wine from 6.30 onwards, and the quiz will start at 7pm. This is a really fun quiz, (anyone who is part of the Framfield and Blackboys allotment society will know what a great quizmaster Terry is), and the questions are very much geared towards the life of a smallholder, the SFTG as well as some general knowledge.
Lakedown Tap Room is a gorgeous venue, a beautiful place which we are lucky enough to have exclusive use of for the night. The Tap Room are very kindly donating a mini keg (about 7pints) of a beer of their choice to the winner, …..and SFTG is giving a bottle of wine (or another mini keg). So, lots of reasons to come. The quiz night is free to book - and we promise you’ll laugh! There will be some food available on the night provided for free from SFTG funds, and if you would like to book something extra to eat, you can email helen@lakedownbrewing.com who will be providing sharing platters for you to purchase. This is a new event for us, and one we would love to make an annual social event, so please come and support it if you can.
Lakedown Trout Fishery, Swife Ln, Burwash, Mayfield, Heathfield TN21 8UX

Willow Workshop - Spheres/Willow Objects
2023-04-15 10:30 - 16:00
In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills.
Richard Vidal, is going to be our tutor. He has recently retired from the civil service to spend more time with his passion for all things ‘willow’. He has grown his own willow for 18 years and produces beautiful sculptures, living willow structures, ornaments and baskets. This introductory workshop will cover the growing, harvesting, storage and dipping of dry willow into water to regain its innate flexibility.
Before his retirement Richard sold willow at Blackheath Farmers Market and started to teach willow weaving to community groups so understands the different levels of teaching required dependent on previous experience.
For this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential. Please bring secateurs (though spares are available).
Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Please leave your dog at home as it might slow you down in completing your creations, but if you have no dog sitter then you can bring your pet if it is well behaved and quiet.
Richard’s mobile is 07597 939668 and his email is richardhvidal@yahoo.co.uk. He is happy to discuss and explain what to expect at the workshop in more detail and to consider making adjustments for any disabilities or injuries.

An Introduction to Bee-Keeping
2023-04-15 10:00 - 15:00
Have you always fancied keeping bees? Would you like to find out more about bee keeping, but you're unsure where to start? If that sounds like you, then this course is the perfect place to start your journey, and fellow members Ben & Maggi are here to help you.

Today, more and more people are aware of the vital role bees play in our eco-system, perhaps you're interested in keeping bees to do your but to help support them and the environment more broadly. But keeping bees isn't just about giving nature a helping hand. Beekeeping can be a hugely stimulating and rewarding hobby - not to mention the possibility of gathering and enjoying your own honey to enjoy!
Guidance from real experts - Ben and Maggi - known as The Bee People - are widely regarded for their expertise in beekeeping and have been doing so for over 35 years. Ben is a former Chairman and President of the Sussex Beekeepers Association, and his wife Maggi, is a former Chairman of the Eastbourne Beekeepers. Their website - www.thebee-people.co.uk is a great resource for all things bee-related.
A full day - both theory and hands-on - Ben and Maggi will spend the morning taking you through the life in a beehive, also looking at the practicalities of starting out in beekeeping.
Following a lunch (you'll need to bring your own, tea and coffee will be supplied), in the afternoon, you'll get kitted up with the requisite protective gear and go and have a look at the hives. We'll supply all the equipment you need, and we'll provide guidance on what to wear on the day, but please come prepared by wearing wellington boots and stout clothing.
PLEASE NOTE NO BANANAS TO BE BROUGHT ON SITE AND PLEASE DO NOT WEAR AFTERSHAVE OR PERFUME.
Please note: the visit to the hives in the afternoon is, to some extent, weather dependent. If it is too cold or wet, this may not be possible.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take your first steps toward the wonderful world of bees. Tickets are strictly limited, and at just £35 for members, represent really great value for money. And, if you're not a member, why not join now - you'll save the cost of membership on this one course!

Small Small Farmers meet the Lambs
2023-04-08 10:00 - 12:00
Come and join Debbie and meet the lambs on her farm in Horam.
This is an ideal event for our younger farmers and children to see that lambs up really close, and maybe even bottle feed a few of them. The Lambs are expected from early March onwards. there will be at newly born lambs to hold, feed and watch. She will be able to answer any lambing related questions our small, small farmers have too.
This is a working smallholding, so please dress in old clothes, and wear wellies. Free range sheepdog to pet too.
A small small farmers event for children ages 5 and over and their adults. Children must be accompanied please. NB. Debbie has many years experience working in education with young children and is DBS checked.

Getting The Most From Your Polytunnel
2023-04-02 10:30 - 12:30
Join fellow member Denise in her polytunnel on her smallholding in Chiddingly as she explains how she puts her polytunnel to the best use. This is a beginners workshop aimed at helping you get the most from your polytunnel. Whether you have a large or small polytunnel they are an unbelievably valuable resource in your garden/smallholding and can allow you to grow fruit and veg for most of the year.

We will look at planning month by month to allow maximum use of your beds, companion planting, ideas for using every area in your polytunnel, the ethics of permaculture in our polytunnel and how to apply it together with sharing of ideas.
You will also have a tour of Denise's polytunnels, and her vegetable gardens where she aims to grow all of her own produce that she then uses for preserves and chutneys.

Free Talk - Biodynamic Farming + Land Healing with Homeopathy
2023-03-24 19:30 - 21:30
Always wanted to know more about Biodynamic practices and what it involves? How does it even work? Come and meet long time fellow member Dr Joanna Gore and learn how her and her carpenter husband Paul are transforming their farm with Biodynamic Farming. Joanna will be running a workshop for us later in the year teaching us all in depth, so this Free Friday night talk is a good introduction to see if this could be the right approach for you.
Biodynamic is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. A Biodynamic farm or garden is an integrated, whole living organism made up of many elements. Fields, forests, plants, animals, soils, people and the spirit of the place. Biodynamic practitioners work alongside nature to nurture and harmonize these elements to support the vitality of the whole. The biodynamic approach is always organic, but it also goes beyond organic in that a set of carefully prepared plant and animal based preparations are also applied to the land.
These are often applied in ceremony and with mindful intention. Biodynamics is both a science and a 'spiritual' approach to farming. Joanna is a shamanic practitioner as well as a small farmer and so her farming practice integrates the two.
Our social events co-ordinator Cat Bush and her team are delighted to be offering free tea and coffee at this events, as well as a light snack buffet. There will be time at the end for questions, and of course a good catch up with other members.
There is a fully staffed bar at this event - so bring cash or a card to pay for your drinks.
As with all of our SFTG events for 2023, we do require you to book a ticket online. (If anyone is having hardship with booking online due to a rural wifi or similar, please do call Cat and she will book your ticket to ensure to cater enough food for you.)
Cat Bush can be contacted on: 07484 830000

Willow Workshop - Fruit Bowls/Basic Baskets
2023-03-11 10:30 - 16:00
In this workshops you will learn basic willow weaving skills. and make a basic willow basket/fruit bowl.
Richard Vidal, is going to be our tutor. He has recently retired from the civil service to spend more time with his passion for all things ‘willow’. He has grown his own willow for 18 years and produces beautiful sculptures, living willow structures, ornaments and baskets. This introductory workshop will cover the growing, harvesting, storage and dipping of dry willow into water to regain its innate flexibility.
Before his retirement Richard sold willow at Blackheath Farmers Market and started to teach willow weaving to community groups so understands the different levels of teaching required dependent on previous experience.
For this workshop please dress warmly: waterproof gloves and leggings are useful and walking boots or wellies essential. Please bring secateurs (though spares are available).
Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Please leave your dog at home as it might slow you down in completing your creations, but if you have no dog sitter then you can bring your pet if it is well behaved and quiet.
Richard’s mobile is 07597 939668 and his email is richardhvidal@yahoo.co.uk. He is happy to discuss and explain what to expect at the workshop in more detail and to consider making adjustments for any disabilities or injuries.

Faecal Egg Count with Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
2023-03-11 10:00 - 14:00
Faecal Egg Count 11th March 10-2pm

With Medical herbalist and farmer Kate Scott BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine

A day looking at FEC’s and how to carry out yourself on the farm. Everyone will get a chance to have a go , members are welcome to bring their own samples. Egg id charts and info sheets will be provided to take home. Information on the McMaster slides and kit , and on sourcing a suitable microscope. Advice about the importance of knowing when to use anthelmintics and the effect overuse has on resistance and soil mocrobia.

If you have your own microscope you are welcome to bring it, plus a sample of poo, but just a tablespoon full!! please bring a packed lunch.

Directions: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield.

High Weald dairy
2023-03-07 18:00 - 20:00
This is a belter of a tour, rave accolades abound. I’ve booked a private tour for SFTG folk at 6pm on Monday 3 July.High Weald are a family owned dairy making georgeous cheese from the same basic ingredient, milk, (cows, sheep and goat) but all tasting very different….I’m sure most of us will have tried their Duddleswell or Slipcote but they make lots and we get to try them too. The entire process … from pasteurisation to packaging takes place on the dairy ..they’ve even got an on site smokery.

Beginners Pressure & Water Bath Canning Workshop
2023-03-06 10:30 - 14:30
Join fellow member and knowledgeable pressure Canner Karen, in a kitchen setting and learn the basics of both water bath canning, and the process of "Pressure Canning" - (which is not to be confused with pressure cooking that we have here in the UK).
Are you wondering whether to get into pressure canning but want to experience it before you buy your own equipment? In this workshop you will be able to see and experience a pressure canner in action and see for yourself before you commit!
The Course will introduce how to safely use the equipment with a strong emphasis on food safety, and we'll adhere to the standards set by the American department of agriculture (USDA).
The course shows the preparatory work, set up of the canner plus storage of canned goods. We will can examples from start to finish! You will get a handout with the most important pieces of information and you will be able to ask a lot of questions.
This is an ideal workshop for those who want to learn how to preserve their produce without the need to refrigerate, or freeze. The techniques you learn will give you shelf stable foods for a minimum of one year, without the need to use expensive electricity. Pressure canning is little used in the UK, but this process does enable you to preserve and store your precious produce for a minimum of one year in a pantry or cupboard environment. We will be using the "All American" pressure canner.
The course includes a light lunch and teas/coffees and biscuits.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? Please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.

Biodynamics & Shamanism
2023-03-06 10:00 - 14:00
Learn from fellow Member Dr Joanna Gore & learn how she and husband Paul are transforming their farm with Biodynamics and Shamanism – Applying a biodynamic Prep (Horn manure 500) with dynamizing and sacred intention
Biodynamic farming is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. A Biodynamic farm or garden is an integrated, whole living organism made up of many elements. Fields, forests, plants, animals, soils, people and the spirit of the place. Biodynamic practitioners work alongside nature to nurture and harmonize these elements to support the vitality of the whole. The biodynamic approach is always organic, but it also goes beyond organic in that a set of carefully prepared plant and animal based preparations are also applied to the land. These are often applied in ceremony and with mindful intention. Biodynamics is both a science and a 'spiritual' approach to farming. Joanna is a shamanic practitioner as well as a small farmer and so her farming practice integrates the two.

This workshop will introduce the making of one biodynamic preparation, Horn Manure 500 and then the practical application of it including the ceremonial dynamizing/stirring and intentional application to the land.
You will be asked to bring an edible herb with you that you have mindfully picked yourself for a community tea, this will connect you energetically with the land before the application.
Please wear wellies and warm clothing, bring drums or rattles, if you have them.
There will be an overview talk on Biodynamics in the third week of March, you may wish to attend before the workshop.
10-2pm – Please bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee provided.
Last minute contact: Joanna 07745899462 or joannagore@hotmail.com
Directions: We are half way between Robertsbridge and Brightling on the Brightling Road. You cannot see the house/farm from the road but we have a laid hedge along the roadside with our gateway in the middle. We are next door to Swallowfield Farm, the satnav will take you past so please look out for Swallowfield Farm, we are on the Robertsbridge side of Swallowfield.
Dr Joanna Gore is Biodynamic and Organic inspector for the Biodynamic Association and has been setting up/running her Biodynamic smallholding for two years.

Raising Meat Chickens for Eating
2023-03-05 10:30 - 12:30
Learn the basics of raising free range "meat" chickens for home consumption. This isn't a case of simply eating your spare cockerels, but a workshop dedicated to rearing the types of birds that are specifically selectively bred for meat consumption. You can then produce your own free range chickens that you know have been truly free ranging, with no chemicals or additives in your meat unless you put them there. This workshop covers the rearing process from day old chicks, to 10 weeks of age.
Raising your own meat chickens can give you food security and food independence, and are a good option for those just starting out in livestock production, who want to see if they can manage the realities of raising meat to eat.
We will look at the different type of meat birds to raise, where to source day old chicks, pricing, as well as the most suitable housing, how to maximise production for meat, which are the best feeders and waterers to use to minimise waste, and how to make feeders and waterers, as well as any problems to look out for when raising these meat birds. We will also look at the costs of raising these birds versus what they are "worth".
You will have the opportunity to look at meat chickens currently being reared, and ask lots of questions about what works, and what doesn't, as well as see our whole set up. There will be the opportunity to look at despatch methods for those who want to stay at the end.
This workshop forms part of our Food Security & Food Independence series, designed to help you become more self sufficient with your food options. For smallholders looking to increase income whilst living off of the land, we also give real life facts and figures on costings, which can all go towards a business plan if you are seeking an agricultural occupancy for a planning application.
Live chicks and chick crumb will probably be available to order or take away on this workshop - please bring a small box if you wish to purchase chicks.
* This workshop is set on a working smallholding and in a family kitchen environment where cats and dogs have been / are present - please inform the host of any allergies.
Can't make this date? Event sold out? We will be running this course several times in 2023, please email our training organiser so that you will be on the list when we run the workshop again.
