Help us find a new home for The Garden Army
Do you have land that could give local children and adults a place to learn, grow and belong?
The Garden Army CIC is searching for a new home in Sussex. We have been given notice to leave our current farm in West Hoathly by September 2027, and we need somewhere we can build a secure future for the people who depend on us.
For our community, moving means much more than finding another field. It means protecting friendships, familiar routines and a place where people feel welcome and valued.
A farm where everyone has a purpose
We provide therapeutic horticulture and practical, land-based education for children who struggle in mainstream school, adults experiencing mental health difficulties, veterans and people in recovery.
Children attending our alternative provision learn through caring for animals, growing food and working outdoors. These activities help them build confidence, develop skills and form positive relationships with adults and other young people. We currently work with five schools.
For adults, the farm offers companionship, meaningful tasks and the chance to contribute at their own pace. Whether someone is planting seeds, feeding sheep or sharing a conversation, they become part of our community.
The home we are looking for
We would love to hear from farmers, estates, schools, councils or private landowners who could offer:
Land to rent in the Ardingly, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead or Plumpton areas, or surrounding villages.
Space for livestock, vegetable growing and practical outdoor activities.
Safe access and room for parking.
Existing buildings, or scope to provide a classroom, shelter, toilets and somewhere to share a meal.
A long-term agreement that gives us the security to invest in the site and develop our programmes.
Our ideal home would offer around 10 acres or more, but the right opportunity could take several forms.
It does not all have to be one site. We are also exploring whether nearby parcels of land could work together, creating different growing, grazing and conservation projects for our community. A smaller plot could become part of that wider network.
A partnership with lasting benefits
We are looking to pay rent and build a positive relationship with a landowner who shares our ambition to help people and care for the countryside.
Our work combines animal care, food growing, wildlife habitats and soil improvement. Through our links with Plumpton College and other local landowners, we are exploring opportunities to connect education, farming and conservation.
The Garden Army also works alongside Full Circle Farms Sussex Ltd, whose Waste to Taste® model turns food and green waste into compost, grows produce for clients and helps fund our community work. Any activities proposed for a new site would be discussed with the landowner and depend on the land’s suitability and the necessary permissions.
Could you help open the next gate?
Perhaps you have an underused field, a former nursery, farm buildings or land that could become part of something meaningful. Perhaps you know someone who does.
Please get in touch, even if you are unsure whether your land would be suitable. An introduction or a conversation could help us find the home our community needs.
Contact Tom Morphew, founder of The Garden Army CIC
Email: tom@garden-army.com
Telephone: 07776 306236