RRW 45

June 14, 2024

Another lovely welcome from Bicton College awaited the seven HighGrounders – 6 Army (one a veteran of 10 years) and 1 Royal Navy for the start of rural week 45. CEO Jamie Crisp and Simon Caraffi (Chair of Trustees) were at the college to welcome everyone which is always much appreciated.

Monday morning starts with Chris Shepherd (Course Leader), and Pete Boorn (Support and Welfare) welcoming everyone and outlining the week before heading out on the first visit to Pulhayes Farm to meet Jim and Jeannete Pyne for an enlightening discussion about dairy farming, agriculture and working for yourself. The afternoon took the group to Clinton Devon to meet John Wilding, Deputy Chief Executive, a great supporter, who introduced them to Forestry Management on a private estate. A varied day was rounded out by a visit to Woodbury Park to meet Terry Perkins and Andy George and have an excellent introduction to Greenkeeping. The evening talk was by Pete who took the group through the Wheel of Life, a thought-provoking tool to help identify areas of importance in each persons life.

A chilly Tuesday morning started by meeting Toby Taylor at RSPB Aylesbeare Common for an Environmental Conservation discussion. It was then on to Forestry England Haldon Forest Park to meet Josh Stephen and learn about the public side of Forestry Management which was an interesting comparison to Monday. Exeter Racecourse was a new visit which allowed the group to understand the breadth of opportunities available on a racecourse and in the racing industry. A visit to Rodney Hall’s organic farm to talk veg and crop production followed with useful insights into the realities of crop production. Former HighGrounder,  Ross Hocking joined us via Teams link to talk though his resettlement journey and the work he now does in the outdoor learning sector. A fascinating evening talk by Dave Wright, Forest Ranger on the Crown Estate at Windsor rounded off a full day.

Tom Garner, from the Clinton Devon Estate started Wednesday with a talk about his Wildlife Management role. The group headed to Killerton House , meeting Karl Emeleus, who gave a tour explaining Heritage Gardening and working for the National Trust. After a much needed lunch, they headed for the Outdoors Group to meet Nick Murphy and learn about Forest Schools. The landscaping sector was discussed with Chris Bolton during a very informative visit to Tony Benger Landscaping another new supporter who we are delighted to have contact with.

The first visit after an early Thursday start, was to South Yeo Farm West where Debbie Kingsley gave a valuable insight into smallholding, where she is always so welcoming. This was followed by the always popular visit to Gotland Gin with Mark and Dawn providing a fascinating discussion on diversification and their journey upon leaving the military. Back at Bicton, Matt and Kirsty from Hi Line delivered another fun and informative Arboriculture session in the park. Ending the day, Ian Bowler of Bowler Oakfield gave a fascinating talk on rural estate management and the routes into the profession.

After a more leisurely start on Friday, we again welcomed Jamie Ranson (and Bramble) of Langore Tree Services in Cornwall for an incredibly useful insight into Self-Employment. Finally, after Chris rounded up the learning from the week, Pete and Heather talked through next steps and gave a debrief; then it was time to say goodbye and wish safe journeys to our enthusiastic HighGrounders.

As always, we are incredibly grateful to our wonderful hosts, presenters and evening speakers for their continued support and for generously sharing knowledge, time, contacts and inspiration which makes these weeks so valuable. To all at Bicton, once again you have looked after us so well – thank you.

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

Photos from the week can be seen here

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