Since the 1980’s, St. Giles Farm has been a small yet thriving biodynamic holding that integrates vegetable production, fruit and livestock with a deep respect for nature. With its rich history, the farm champions biodiversity, animal welfare and direct sales of high quality food, and has served as a hub and pick-up point for other local producers. The farm also has a social angle and is involved with a local CIC, bringing volunteers with special needs to the farm once a week.
With retirement looming, the landholders are looking for the right person(s) to unleash the full potential of the holding, nestled in the New Forest landscape.
What began as an opportunity for the market garden has, due to changing health circumstances, now become an offer of the entire farm.
The landholders wish to see the land continue in biodynamic stewardship while opening the door to educational, therapeutic or recreational uses. It is literally a land of opportunity for the right entrepreneurial spirit.
The vision of the farm
St. Giles farm strives to.
- Keep farming in alignment with nature and biodynamic principles
- Contribute to the wellbeing of humans in an otherwise disconnected world
- Produce high-quality food with the highest animal welfare and biodiversity
- Make use of the land as a refuge and educational ground
- Provide the space for more people to connect with each other and the nature around them that they might not realise they are also part of.
Farm Facts
| Country | England |
| Region | Hampshire |
| Farm size (ha) | 12 |
| Land types | Deer fenced market garden plot, pastures, orchard area |
| Current operations | Small herds of wellkept cattle and sheep, a legendary cucumber-seed enterprise and a currently mostly dormant market garden |
| Current team | Run by the Landholders with assistance from a couple, who rents the small farm house, runs a local CIC and makes use of the farm one day a week for volunteering activities |
| Customers | Have sold vegetables and beef through a box scheme and local markets |
Opportunity Facts
| Enterprise | Running a market garden and taking care of a small herd of livestock in combination with great opportunities for social good, educational, therapeutic and recreational activities |
| Land available (ha) | The whole holding is available, 12 ha |
| Likely scale | 2.33 acre market garden (100 beds of 1.2m x 20m) and plenty of room for creativity |
| Stock available | A herd of native Shetland cattle and sheep |
| Infrastructure available | Fully established market garden w/ polytunnel, greenhouse in good shape and water access, as well as barn space and large livestock building |
| Farming principles | Biodynamic Farming (currently not Demeter certified) |
| Agreement type | Likely a longterm land lease (FBT), to be discussed |
| Accommodation | Accommodation may be available, to be discussed |
What you can expect
- A stunning holding with great views of the New Forest area
- Plentiful of space and opportunities to host a variety of workshops, educational activities and experiences on the farm
- A supportive Landholder that is committed to natural farming and social good
- Open doors for existing connections to local community and charitable organisations
- A wide breadth and depth of knowledge to lean on from the Landholders
- A fair financial arrangement and agreement
Who we’re looking for
The ideal person(s) for this opportunity has:
- An energetic and entrepreneurial spirit
- High level of creativity and is a self-starter
- A deep passion for nature, good food and a love for animals
- Buy-in to biodynamic principles and desire to continue farming in this way
- A good level of experience with organic or biodynamic growing
- Great communication skills and a direct, upfront honesty.
- Openness to collaborate with the existing local CIC
- Someone who is willing to look after the livestock
Could this be you?
Photos from the farm
