We are a community owned, charitable co-operative which practices Social Farming on a certified biodynamic farm on the Blackwater Estuary, near Maldon in Essex. Launched in 2017 and building on thirteen years of development, we provide a wide range of educational opportunities through meaningful work experiences to many people, especially those with a learning disability and/or autism (LDA). We also undertake extensive conservation work through on the farm’s 210 acres which includes rare breed cattle and sheep, laying hens, vegetable growing, woolly crafts and a community kitchen processing produce and providing daily lunches.

Our biodynamic and organic produce is sold locally through markets, weekly deliveries, with local wholesalers and directly from the farm. We also have a volunteering program, host events and workshops, give talks to local interest groups, work closely with Essex County Council, local SEND schools and colleges and The Country Trust.

The site is a beautiful, tranquil setting bordered by the blackwater estuary and we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy. We are a small, person-centred team with a good track record of delivery. During term time, there are around fifty people on the farm each week with over 2,500 social farming day places being offered every year.

This role requires previous experience of a similar role in a busy vegetable growing setting and a keen desire to develop biodynamic growing practices, if not already trained in these methods. Within this role you would join a team of five land workers, covering horticulture and agriculture. The responsibilities of managing the Market Garden are split equally between three individuals, the successful applicant will be one of these three. We are developing collaborative working methods with the aim of enabling individual freedom combined with collective decision making.

We are ideally looking for someone to live on the farm in this role but we will also consider other options.

Lauriston Farm Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Applicants must be willing to undergo protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Requirements

• Work Location: In person
• Full driving licence, strong recommendation to have own vehicle due to remote location of farm.
• Ability to commute/relocate to, Lauriston Farm, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AH

For more information and to apply, please click here.