The Soil Association is launching 300 Organic Farm School courses over the next two years, supported by the Daylesford Foundation.

The Organic Farm School offers hands-on courses in growing your own food, rearing animals, cooking and rural crafts. Participants will learn practical skills direct from organic farmers, growers and producers with personal experience. Courses include bee-keeping, chicken-keeping, vegetable growing, cider making, bread baking, willow weaving, hedge laying and many others.

The Soil Association hopes to reach more than 3,000 individuals - from young families and fledgling gardening, to allotment owners and aspiring smallholders - encouraging a reconnection of urban and rural. The courses are not only a fun day out on an organic farm, but they also offer a chance to rediscover the precious knowledge of our grandparents.

Monty Don, Soil Association president, said: “The Soil Association’s Organic Farm School is a fantastic opportunity for anyone to come and learn skills from the experts. Each course is an enjoyable day out on an organic farm and a chance to experience the rich satisfaction of country life.”

Patrick Holden, Soil Association director, said: "As an urban child who went into farming, I know first hand the importance of learning these skills direct from the practitioners themselves. Having attended the first hen keeping day at Daylesford, I urge everyone to try one of these courses for themselves - these are essential skills for a more sustainable future."

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