Botton Village Farm Training Course

Contact: Peter van Vliet

Botton Village , Camphill Village Trust, Danby, Whitby , North Yorkshire YO21 2NJ  Tel: 01287 661301    8.00-8.30am and 6.00-7.00pm  
Email: petervvliet (at) googlemailcom
website: www.camphill.org.uk

Botton Village has been pioneering new opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and other special needs since 1955. The village stands at the end of Danby Dale, in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park , and is home to 320 people living in 35 extended households. The community cultivates approximately 300ha of land, using biodynamic methods, comprising:

•  52ha of forest and woodland  
•  225ha of farmland, divided over five autonomous, mixed dairy farms, including field vegetables
•  1.5ha of intensive vegetable growing ( High Farm Garden )
•  2ha of seed growing/plant breeding (Stormy Hall Seeds)
•  3.5ha of herb/flower garden, soft fruit and ground maintenance  

Since 1955 Botton has provided biodynamic training for young people.  The students, coming on average for two to three years from all over the world, are given a practical grounding through their day to day work on the farms and gardens.  This is supplemented by other courses: weekly day-release at a local agricultural college; national courses organised by the Biodynamic Agricultural Association, and their own, on-going study of biodynamics.  The students participate fully in the life of the community.