Nestled on the edge of Frome, Vallis Farm is hosting a growing programme of practical, hands-on gardening workshops throughout the year.
Based just off Egford Hill, Vallis Farm is a working farm known for producing veg boxes and events, offering local people the chance to deepen their knowledge in a relaxed setting.
The next workshop is ‘Composting 101’ on 11th April, where participants will learn about the importance of the soil food web and how to feed it with compost. Attendees will explore different approaches to making compost and keeping a closed-loop system in the garden, reducing waste, saving money and improving soil.
Later in the month, a ‘Spring Foraging and Lunch’ workshop will explore the abundance of wild, seasonal ingredients growing on the farm and closer to home.
Organisers say, “The workshop will finish with a delicious meal using foraged plants to create a sumptuous menu. You will leave feeling full of nourishing food and inspiration.”
Across spring and summer, the programme expands to include sessions on forest gardening, no-dig vegetable growing and how to cultivate gardens that support both gut health and natural dye production. There are also opportunities to explore more traditional skills such as scything, while Garden Design 101 and Autumn Foraging round out the year.
Organisers say, “Our workshops are led by a team of professionals, including Tamsin, Head of Land and Learning; Sarah, our Head Gardener; and our newest addition to the team, Poppy, who recently graduated her horticulture apprenticeship here on the farm with distinction. Poppy has a background in textile design and has put this into action by creating a dye garden and will be running a workshop on natural dyes in July.”
Tamsin said, “Traditional and practical skills are valuable in so many ways. For our physical and mental health and for us to be able to share these skills with others.”
Beyond the workshops, Vallis Farm offers more to explore, including productive gardens, on-site makers working in ceramics, leatherwork, herbalism and more, and shepherd’s huts within the market garden for those looking to stay longer.
The ‘Friends of Vallis’ membership also gives access to a wild swimming pool, sauna and gardens on dedicated members’ days.
Alongside the farm’s activities, a recently established Community Interest Company (CIC) is expanding access to education and training to help more people engage with sustainable growing and land-based skills.
Workshops are open to all, with advance booking. For more information, visit www.vallisfarm.co.uk
