Farm Step Programme

We believe that there are many people with the enthusiasm and determination to gain the skills, tools and knowledge that will enable us to live more sustainably in future.  

Launched in 2009, Farm Step provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for people who might otherwise be locked out of farming by land price and availability to  ‘step up’ onto the first stage of farming.  

The Farm Step initiative is based on sustainable land management, where economically viable and independent businesses can thrive.  

Farm Step tenants operate independently of the Trust, but are offered land with favourable tenancy agreement terms, as well as the chance to work alongside a community of other like-minded green businesses.  

Farm Step Tenants

  • Brightwell Bees

    Earth Trust Farm is home to a number of honeybee hives managed by Viv and Steve Moll at Brightwell Bees.

  • Emma’s Ewesful Acres

    Emma tends to 300 breeding ewes and a herd of Pedigree Sussex Cattle.

  • Hedgecraft

    Clive Leeke is a traditional hedge layer and conservation contractor.

  • Norton & Yarrow Cheese

    Maker of artisan goats' cheese, Norton & Yarrow Cheese joined the farm in February 2016.

  • Farm Step Successes

    Hear about some of the Farm Step businesses that have moved on to bigger things.

  • Our Farm

    Our aim is to farm in a climate-friendly way, working with the environment to enhance biodiversity, minimising carbon emissions and maximising carbon sequestration, whilst producing quality food.

  • Food & Farming

    Farming and local food production has the potential to create great change for climate, nature and human health, and these sectors are changing fast.