Wanted: Land Partners to Grow on our mixed organic holding in the Forest of Dean

Jan 21, 2015

Crooked End Farm is a lovely organic holding in the Forest of Dean, looking across the Wye Valley across to the Black Mountains. Starting in April 2015, we are seeking a Land Partner to take on the growing enterprise at Crooked End Farm, and later in the year we will be looking for another Land Partner to take on the running of our beautiful farm shop, cafe and other retail activities. 

We’ve currently got +4 acres under cultivation with market garden fruits and vegetables, 4 polytunnels and 2 small greenhouses, a small orchard, and potential to cultivate more. There is currently an emphasis on salad and leafy vegetables, and soft fruits. To complement the growing we have organic livestock on site and also at two nearby rented holdings. Produce is sold through our on-site farm shop, our delivery scheme, to local shops and wholesalers, and at local markets. 

This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic and confident grower, and we will do everything we can to support the successful candidate. If you are interested in learning more, then contact Brenda at pennellfamily556@gmail.com, or come to our open day on Saturday 28th February to walk the course yourself, meet our current grower, and share your ideas. 

The Small Print
Our Land Partners will run their own businesses, but will have access to all of the equipment and facilities on the farm. We make extensive use of WWOOF help, and would encourage you to as well! Accommodation is available, both for you and for the WWOOFers. 

As we view this relationship very much as a partnership we are happy to offer the land and equipment rent free for an initial period while you establish your growing enterprise. You will also have access to our existing customers and equipment to help you on your journey. If you would like to add livestock or retail to your business portfolio, that can also be discussed. 

We only insist that your growing complies with Soil Association Standards, and the partnership agreement will be a formal Farm Business Tenancy.

More details about the areas under cultivation
There are two main growing areas. 

The smaller Top Growing Area is next to farm shop comprises raised beds, 2 polytunnels, coldframes, potting shed and 2 small greenhouses. There are also raspberry canes and a herb garden. 

The Main Growing Area comprises 3 fields. One is under cultivation with mixed produce on a 4 year rotation plan plus a strawberry patch, the middle is under an alfalfa crop, and the third was cultivated last year and currently has winter garlic and onions. 

There are also three small orchard areas, a watercress bed dug out of a natural spring, and a small field with soft fruits.

WWOOF UK needs YOU! We’re recruiting Trustees

WWOOF UK needs YOU! We’re recruiting Trustees

Would you like to join an existing group of five dedicated individuals who are committed to overseeing the direction of WWOOF UK? Do you want to help more people experience first-hand the meaningful connection to self, land and others that immersion in a low impact...

25% off WWOOF UK membership until 2nd April

25% off WWOOF UK membership until 2nd April

Use discount code DAFFODILS when you sign up before the 2nd April for a 25% discount on any WWOOF UK membership. Don't be an April fool and miss out on this great discount! We have lots of hosts eagerly awaiting new enthusiastic WWOOFers for the season, and plenty of...

Follow up ‘Rat Control’ responses

Follow up ‘Rat Control’ responses

Thank you all for such a great array of responses to the #PennToPaper Rat Control article in the last newsletter. If you didn’t get around to reading it or want to refresh your memory, then here’s the link. Read on to explore the answers you all contributed, and don't...

Lesley Gorski a WWOOFing legacy

Lesley Gorski a WWOOFing legacy

Last year, we received the sombre news that long-standing WWOOFer Lesley Gorski had passed away. We were very saddened to hear this news as Lesley was well known by WWOOF staff, and had been one of the last remaining old-school members still using the...

Member feature – Kristin, volunteer

Member feature – Kristin, volunteer

"WWOOFing is the experience of a lifetime. If you are currently WWOOFing, keep doing it! If you are considering WWOOFing, don’t hesitate! Do it!" Our member community is full of so many unique individuals, united by a shared devotion to sustainable growing and living....