Through our work with Slade Farm Organics we support diversifying access to green space, working with our local communities to deliver truly sustainable produce throughout the year. We want to create a resilient local community, where healthy organic local food can be available to everyone, not just those who can afford it. Our Community Growing Programme promotes equality and diversity in the agricultural and environmental sector and foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds to learn about farming with nature.
Our Community Growing programme is led by Graeme Wilson who has a background in public policy, delivering research and consultations for national and local government. The programme regularly host workshops, tours, work placements, residencies and public events which provide opportunities for people of all ages to build new skills and experiences.
Community Growing
Our programme of activity includes:
Primary school visits and organic growing workshops in partnership with the Pencoedtre Learning Community, Barry. (In 2025we were delighted to have welcomed over 500 local school pupils & students to the farm!)
Organic growing workshops and a weekly free organic veg bag scheme to low income families SPLICE Child & Family Project, Bridgend.
A community-led herb garden
Biodiversity and farming with nature tours
Creative industry Arts & Ecology Residencies and Retreats
National and international public speaking events to promote “Nature Friendly Farming”, including the Royal Welsh Show, Oxford Farming Conference, Groundswell, Aberystwyth University, the Senedd and the Feral Cifas Conference, Brussels.
Pencoedtre Schools Cluster
Repeated Farm Learning
Six primary schools return to Slade Farm across the school year, with Year 5 pupils experiencing the farm through the seasons. Visits connect children with farming, animals, crops, ecology and food. That connection is supported by school-based learning and a shared celebration event. Repeat visits are key to success: children return, recognise the place, build familiarity, stewardship and confidence and deepen their understanding rather than receiving a single one-off visit.
WICK FOOD HUB
Connecting families to Food and Farming
Fieldwork works with Wick Food Hub to connect families experiencing food insecurity with fresh organic food and how it is grown. Families receive vegetables from Slade Farm and take part in hands-on farm workshops, harvesting, planting and cooking. The project uses food and farming to create opportunities for connection, confidence, wellbeing and belonging.