Thriving Farm Seeks Experienced Market Gardeners, Gillingham, Dorset
Thriving Farm Seeks Experienced Market Gardeners, Gillingham, Dorset
- Land size: 2.5 – 5 acres
- Type of Farming: Market Gardening, Agroforestry, Education,
- Accommodation Offered: Yes, a small flat with private garden to rent on site
- Land Rent: To be negotiated
- Type of Agreement Preferred: Farm Business Tenancy
- Readiness: Immediate
This is an opportunity for experienced market gardeners to set up their own business on this large family farm which has long been practicing regenerative approaches. The farm is already a hive of activity with the family running several businesses on site including a sheep business selling Pasture for Life certified hogget in the farm shop, along with their own apple juice, both of which are Great Taste Award winners. They also sell their preserves and eggs along with wool products from the flock including sheepskins, knitting yarn, patterns and machine knits and throws. They have been named as Top 50Â Farmers (regen farmers) in Europe.
The size of the land is flexible between 2.5 and 5 acres available across two closely sited plots; a no-dig fenced kitchen garden and some pasture currently being grazed on rotation. There is hedge and fence on the side of the prevailing wind and an intention to fence the rest. Some of the pasture is under countryside stewardship until the end of 2026 leaving 1.3 acres immediately available including 0.4acres within the kitchen garden where there are 10 beds, a 6.5 x 9m polytunnel, compost bins and well rotted manure at the top of the farm. There are also some sheds and a greenhouse and it is thought that an additional polytunnel could be required. The landseeker would have access to mains water with stand taps, electricity, parking, toilet, tool shed, water tank and Bokashi. There is a separate flat available for the tenant, centrally located on the farm, which looks onto the market garden area.
The landowner has a vision for a number of different enterprises working alongside each other on the farm, each running separate businesses but collaborating to benefit the land, with a community spirit and a common statement of purpose. The growers must use organic or regenerative practices and if they have a good work ethic, are tidy and have a willingness to get along with others, an agreement could last well into the future.
Region of England
Types of farming
Size of farm
Gallery
Please note: to submit an enquiry, you must first be a registered member of Landmatch England. You can register hereÂ
Enquire about this opportunity
The Matching Process
How It Works
We make it simple to connect - whether you’re offering land or looking for it.
Use the arrows below to move through the stages and see how it works.
Step 1
Getting to Know You
Through our registration process, you’ll tell us what you’re looking for in a landmatch, share a bit about yourself, and learn more about how the programme works. Our FAQs page is a great place to find answers to many of the questions you might have along the way.Once you’ve registered, your regional coordinator will get in touch to arrange a call. This is a chance to talk through your ideas in more detail, gather the information we need, and answer any questions you have about the landmatching process.
Step 2
Support Package
Whether you’re a landseeker or a landowner, we’ll provide the tools, resources, and peer support in order to prepare you for a match and plan your next steps. Our resource library includes expert guides written by land agents and consultants, along with links to useful information and supportive organisations.Using the information we’ve gathered, we’ll work with you to create a tailored listing for our noticeboard. Landmatch England will then promote your listing through our networks and social media channels, giving you the best chance of finding the right match.
Step 3
Finding your Match
Your regional coordinator will be working behind the scenes to find the best possible match for your requirements. When they identify a potential match, they’ll help you exchange more details to see if there’s genuine potential.Next comes the introduction — this might start with a call and, if it feels right, move on to a site visit. Your regional coordinator will guide and support you through these first meetings, making sure both sides get the most out of the experience.