RRW47

November 29, 2024

Storm Bert provided an adventurous welcome to the final Rural Week of 2024. 7 beneficiaries (1 RAF, I RN, 2 RM and 3 Army – a mix of serving and veterans) joined us on Sunday night at Bicton College joining Chris, Pete and Heather at Bicton College on the Sunday evening, along with Simon Caraffi (Chair of Trustees), Jamie Crisp (CEO – who needed something close to an Ark to reach Bicton College!) ) and Anna Baker Cresswell (Founder and Head of Income Generation – who had an epic journey from Northumberland).

On a gloriously sunny Monday morning following a breakfast full of banter, Chris introduced the week and vocational area presentations began with a Technology in the Land-based sector presentation by Ed Parrish, Director of Land-based at Bicton College. In a rapidly growing area of importance, we are delighted to make use of the expertise in the pioneering Agri-tech Engineering Centre    which has been opened at the college. The chance for the beneficiaries to learn about technology and how much of it has been learned from the military is invaluable for them understanding how their current skills and knowledge map across to the civilian world.

With wellies deployed, Pete Wastenage of Tidewell Barton dairy farm, welcomed the group to discuss the agricultural sector, which is currently high in public awareness. An advocate of using technology where he can, this was a useful visit to follow on from Ed Parrish.  Lunch back at the college was followed by an afternoon visit to Clinton Devon Estate, long term generous supporters of HighGround, to meet John Wilding, Deputy Chief Executive,  who introduced them to Forestry Management on a private estate. John is retiring shortly and we are immensely grateful for his enduring support and enthusiasm which has inspired so many HighGrounders over the years and were happily able to present him with a gift as a token of our deep thanks.

A thought provoking day was rounded out by a visit to Woodbury Park to meet Terry Farkins and Andy George and have an excellent introduction to Greenkeeping, this visit is always an eye-opener for HighGrounders and it was really good to hear how valuable they find service leavers within their organisation.

Pete’s Wheel of Life which helps identify areas of importance in each persons life and encourage individuals to think about what they value and what they want life post-military to look like, is always a useful presentation and helps focus attention on what is really important to each individual.

Toby Taylor at RSPB Aylesbeare Common started Tuesday with a discussion about Environmental Conservation.  This was followed by an visit to Forestry England Haldon Forest Park where Josh Stephen introduced the group to the public side of Forestry Management providing an interesting and useful comparison to Monday. Rodney Hall’s organic vegetable farm always provides useful insights into the realities of commercial veg and crop production. Back at the College, Zoe Elliot of the British Horseracing Authority joined the group via TEAMS to develop understanding of the breadth of opportunities available in the equine industry. And to round off a busy day, former HighGrounder, Ross Hocking also utilised technology to talk to the group about his transition from the military. Always so useful to hear from someone who has travelled the same road and particularly as he also benefitted from a rural residential week.

A very informative visit with Chris Bolton of  Tony Benger Landscaping gave the group a chance to learn about horticultural landscaping got Wednesday off to a flying start. The group then headed to Killerton House , meeting Karl Emeleus, who gave a tour explaining Heritage Gardening and working for the National Trust, always much enjoyed given Karl’s progression through different roles within the organisation. The afternoon started with a visit to the Outdoors Group to meet Nick Murphy and learn about Forest Schools. Tom Garner, from the Clinton Devon Estate  provided a fascinating insight into the wide ranging remit of wildlife management and how to maximise the value of a deer herd.   Our evening speaker was Geoff Green, a dry stone waller and former Group Captain.

Thursday’s early start took the group to South Yeo Farm West where Debbie Kingsley’s provided a classic warm welcome and provoked interesting discussion into smallholding. The always popular visit to Gotland Gin followed, with Mark and Dawn hosting a fascinating discussion and their journey upon leaving the military. To start the afternoon, Matt and Kirsty from Hi Line delivered another fun and informative Arboriculture session which. Ending the day, Ian Bowler of Bowler Oakfield gave a fascinating talk on the always popular area of rural estate management and the routes into the profession which prompted questions and discussion especially around the skills service leavers bring to the sector.

Thursday evening’s social allowed the group time to chat further with several of the weeks presenters, and provided an opportunity for HighGround to say thank you for their generous time and support.

Jamie Ranson (and the ever energetic, Bramble) of Langore Tree Services in Cornwall joined the everyone for breakfast and chat before an informative and important session showing the realities of self-employment and demonstrates the possibilities of portfolio working which is a draw for many HighGrounders. Drawing the week to a close, Chris rounded up the learning from the week and talked through next steps and support. So drew to the close the final rural week of 2024 and we wished wish safe journeys to our HighGrounders.

We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful hosts, presenters and evening speakers for their support and generous sharing of knowledge, time, contacts and inspiration throughout 2024. To all at Bicton College, you have done us proud during every visit and we are so grateful to partner with you.

We gratefully acknowledge support from Greenwich Hospital for the Royal Navy beneficiaries and to others whose generosity have made this week possible.

Pictures from the week can be seen here

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