Find your place in the field of good food

Our goal is to connect good people with good food. We advertise sustainable food jobs and training opportunities to help jobseekers and employers find each other.

Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Job description

Biodynamic Agricultural College (BDAC) is vetting applications on behalf of Loch Arthur Camphill Community Ltd for a Garden Apprentice (Paid Training + Full Support).

This is a supported, unpaid training at a working biodynamic community in South West Scotland.

You will gain practical grounding in farm work, complete the 2-Year BDAC Work-Based Training programme, and qualify for the Crossfields Institute Level 3 Diploma in Biodynamic Farming and Growing.

While there is no salary, all living costs and training fees & expenses are covered by the community.

Current training fees** for the BDAC programme are :

• £500 initial payment.

• 24 monthly payments of £320.

Includes seminars, seminar accommodation and lunches, assessment, QA, registration, and certification.

**These costs will be covered as part of your role.

You will also receive board and lodging, all meals, and your day-to-day expenses, making this a viable route into biodynamic farming and gardening without the financial pressure of paying for accommodation, food, and course fees separately.

The apprenticeship is based on a 550-acre estate with grassland, 60 acres of woodland and a 70-acre loch. The garden includes a 500m² greenhouse for vegetable production, 4 acres of field vegetables, soft and top fruit, herbs, flowers and a large walled garden. The community aims to produce sufficient seasonal fruit and vegetables for itself, with surplus sold through the Farmshop.

Loch Arthur is a working Community which includes men and women with learning disabilities. It includes a farm, large garden, creamery, bakery, woodwork shop, weaving workshop and a thriving farm shop. The community is comprised of nine houses and over 70 residents, including about 28 people in supported tenancies. The farm has been run under biodynamic principles since 1985 and has full Demeter status.

Role and training

• Based at Loch Arthur Camphill Community, Beeswing, Dumfries DG28JQ.

• Learn practical garden work as part of day-to-day community life.

• Work in areas including: farm, garden, creamery, bakery, woodwork shop, weaving workshop, farm shop, craft workshop and housework (depending on community needs and your preferences).

• Enrol in the BDAC Work-Based Training programme, including:

  • 4 weeks of seminars per year

  • Support with personal, on-going study of biodynamics

  • Written work and assessment

• Leads to the Crossfields Institute Level 3 Diploma in Biodynamic Farming and Growing.

• Duration: at least 2 years.

• Applicants are expected to spend some time as part of the community on a trial before being accepted as a volunteer-apprentice.

Community life and support

You will live as part of the community in one of Loch Arthur’s shared houses. Daily life is rooted in creating community within your house and with others in Loch Arthur.

• No salary is paid, but you will be provided with board and lodging.

• You will receive all meals and your day-to-day expenses will be met.

• All living and BDAC training expenses are covered by the community.

Life at Loch Arthur can be full and at times demanding, but is also very rewarding and fulfilling. There is space each week for relaxation and recuperation.

What you will learn

Biodynamics adds a distinctive dimension to your training, including:

• Working with natural rhythms, including lunar and cosmic cycles.

• Using biodynamic preparations to vitalise soil and compost.

• Seeing the farm/garden as an organism, integrating animals, plants, soil, and people into a self-sustaining whole.

• Developing artistic and reflective practice through observation, movement, and creativity.

• Learning to think holistically about agriculture, ecology, community, and personal development.

Requirements

• Minimum 6 months’ practical land-based experience (e.g. volunteering or WWOOFing).

• GCSE-level education or equivalent (Level 2).

• Aged 18+ (21+ recommended).

• Capacity for self-guided study and motivation for active learning.

• Open to biodynamic perspectives and willing to embrace community life.

• Physically capable of agricultural and garden work throughout the seasons.

• Willing and able to participate in any of the work areas depending on community needs.

• Willingness to be involved with personal care for some community members (e.g. bathing, dressing, eating).

How to apply

BDAC is vetting applications on behalf of Loch Arthur Camphill Community Ltd. Successful applicants will be supported through the recruitment and placement process.

Loch Arthur Farm Shop & Fruit/Vegetables

Loch Arthur The Farm

For more information on the BDAC training programme: BDAC Work-Based Training

Application information

1. Submit expression of Interest Form here: https://bdacollege.org.uk/work-based-training/how-to-apply/

2. Send CV to info@bdacollege.org.uk

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for conversation and placement matching.

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs