At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn biodynamic farming and operate farm machinery while working with livestock.
- Company: Join the award-winning Tablehurst Farm in beautiful East Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, accommodation, and meals during workdays.
- Other info: Experience a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable farming and connect with nature.
- Qualifications: Practical land-based experience and a passion for active learning required.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 25400 £ per year.
About Tablehurst
Tablehurst is a 500-acre mixed biodynamic/organic farm in Forest Row, East Sussex, with mob grazing Sussex horned cattle, Jersey dairy herd, arable, pasture, ponds, woodland, and footpaths on Wealden AONB. It includes a vegetable/fruit garden, polytunnels, farm buildings, bakery, pie kitchen, farm shop, café, and farmer accommodation. The farm produce, beef, lamb, pork, poultry, local wild venison, raw dairy, pastries, fruit and vegetables, is mainly sold through the on-site farm shop.
We have consistently won prestigious awards, the latest ones being BBC Food and Farming Award for Food Producer of the Year 2022, and Sussex Food and Drinks Awards 2021 Sussex Butcher of the Year. Our Pie Kitchen won a Soil Association food award for our delicious Steak and Kidney Pie.
Our farm is committed to biodynamics as its core farming philosophy, and to community engagement as a central pillar of our work.
Farm Apprentice Vacancy
We have a vacancy for a full-time Farm Apprentice, who will learn livestock farming using biodynamic and organic farming methods, and how to operate farm machinery. The successful candidate must enrol in the Biodynamic Agricultural College’s (BDAC) two-year Work-based Training programme, which includes monthly seminars (a combination of online and onsite other locations) and written work.
For more information on the BDAC training, please visit:
- What Biodynamics Brings To Your Training
- Working with natural rhythms – learning how lunar and cosmic cycles influence plant and animal life
- Biodynamic preparations – using natural substances to vitalise soil and compost
- The farm as an organism – integrating animals, plants, soil, and people into a self-sustaining whole
- Artistic and reflective practice – developing a deeper connection with the land through observation, movement, and creativity
- Holistic thinking – learning to see agriculture in the wider context of ecology, community, and personal development
Location
The role is based at Tablehurst Farm and on land in the vicinity of the farm.
Hours
Hours are dictated by the seasons and depend on the needs of the farm and the livestock. Normal working hours are 42.5 hours over 5 days a week. Weekend working is required.
Holidays
28 days (including bank holidays).
Package
Full-time (42.5 hours/week) salary at National living wage. A private room in a building with shared kitchen on the farm (government accommodation offset is applied). Breakfast and lunch provided on working days.
Requirements
- A minimum of six months of practical experience in land-based work is required.
- Students must have the capacity for self-guided study, the motivation for active learning, and an open attitude to biodynamic perspectives.
- An equivalent to GCSE level education (level 2) and a minimum age of 18 is required, though due to the nature of the training, an age of at least 21 is recommended.
- Willingness and ability to take on physical work in an agricultural environment throughout the seasons and to work in the normal routines of the placement.
- A valid UK driver’s licence is a prerequisite to starting the apprenticeship.
Farm Apprentice Position Available (Full-time),Tablehurst Farm, East Sussex in Stroud employer: Biodynamic Association
Tablehurst Farm is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in biodynamic and organic farming practices while working in the beautiful surroundings of East Sussex. With a strong commitment to community engagement and holistic agricultural methods, employees benefit from hands-on training, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for personal growth through the Biodynamic Agricultural College's training programme. Enjoy a fulfilling career with competitive benefits, including accommodation, meals, and a chance to contribute to award-winning produce in a vibrant farm environment.
