Following the global pandemic, production in Botton’s social farms and gardens had slowed significantly. Today, we are celebrating an incredible milestone, with more than two tonnes of produce harvested and distributed during the first six months of the 2026 growing season.
Between April and the end of September, the gardens have supplied fresh, home-grown produce across Botton Village and beyond to our sister communities across Camphill Village Trust, creating meaningful opportunities for the people we support while contributing to local food provision.
Adam helps transport crates of freshly bottled apple juice at Botton Village, with bottles made from apples harvested in the community’s gardens.
By the numbers
Over the last six months, the team has harvested approximately 2,010kg of produce, including:
- 250kg supplied to the Botton Village Store
- 70kg supplied to the Botton Village Café
- 567kg supplied to the Botton Food Centre
- 1,200kg of apples sent for juicing, producing 894 bottles of juice
This figure does not yet include produce supplied to our Larchfield Community near Middlesborough and Kingfisher Café in nearby Malton, meaning the true total is even higher.
These numbers represent much more than a successful harvest. They reflect years of planning, hard work and dedication from staff, community members, volunteers and supporters who have helped bring the gardens back into productive use.
Real farm-to-fork experiences
The gardens have created genuine farm-to-fork opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, enabling people to be involved in every stage of the growing process. From sowing seeds and planting crops to harvesting produce and seeing it enjoyed across our communities, these experiences build skills, confidence and a stronger connection to the land and food we eat.
As we move into the winter months, these opportunities will continue, ensuring that people remain actively involved in meaningful, rewarding work throughout the year.
Kerri planting new vegetables in a raised bed.
Growing beyond Botton
There is even more to celebrate as horticultural opportunities expand across our Northern Communities.
New Assistant Growers have recently joined the teams at the Croft and our Larchfield Community, helping to develop food production and Nature-based opportunities at other Camphill Village Trust sites. Their arrival marks an exciting next step in sharing skills, knowledge and success across the Trust.
Head Grower, Karen, in the orchard at Botton Village.
More than a harvest
Alongside producing fresh fruit and vegetables, the team has achieved a huge amount behind the scenes.
Over the past six months they have:
- Propagated their own organic strawberry, gooseberry and currant plants for Botton Village and other sites
- Produced shallots and garlic, along with tomato and lettuce seed for future crops
- Delivered a winter pruning workshop
- Hosted three DEFRA-funded school visits
- Contributed produce and goods to local fairs and community events
And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the many hours generously given by our dedicated team of garden volunteers.
Looking ahead
The achievements of the last six months demonstrate what can be accomplished through teamwork, commitment and a shared vision. The gardens at Botton are now producing food, creating learning opportunities, supporting wellbeing and helping people connect with nature in meaningful ways.
It is a remarkable transformation from where things stood just a few years ago, and one that everyone involved should be immensely proud of.
As the growing season continues and plans for the future take shape, there is every reason to believe that this is only the beginning.
- A big thank you to Adam (Botton Village Community member) for kindly sharing his apple juicing photographs for this blog.
