Stewards of Rushmere

Rushmere Farm is a working organic farm in the South Downs National Park. Our aim is simple but ambitious: to prove that farming can be productive and profitable while restoring soil, increasing biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions. To do that, we need to move beyond a model that relies on subsidy alone and build something more resilient — something rooted in community.

Stewardship is how we do that. It is an invitation to belong to the farm, not just visit it. By becoming a Steward, you help support the land that grows your food, the habitats that shelter wildlife, and the shared spaces that make this place feel alive. In return, you and your family become part of a living system — learning how food is grown, how soil is cared for, and how nature and farming can thrive together. Stewardship is about shared responsibility, shared learning, and a shared future for this land.

For people who live nearby or regularly enjoy Rushmere and want to support the farm in a simple, practical way.

Includes:

Access to selected weekly or fortnightly groups
Access to designated stewards’ walks beyond public footpaths
Access to the steward compost & green-waste drop-off
Discounted steward rate on compost
Participation in shared stewardship days
Early notice of open days and seasonal events
Member priority for camping

For people who feel invested in Rushmere and want to actively support the care of the land, community spaces and shared work.

Includes everything in Local Steward, plus:

Monthly informal steward gathering at the farm
10% off all Rushmere products and services, including:

Flour, grain and oat milk
Therapies (including craniosacral therapy)
Workshops
Selected stays (outside peak periods)
Invitation to Wild Rogues summer volunteering week
Invitation to the Autumn Volunteering Week
One reduced-rate woodland canopy booking per year
Member priority for all accommodation
Places held at Rushmere-run events wherever possible

For those who feel deeply connected to Rushmere and want to play a meaningful role in its long-term care.

Includes everything in Engaged Steward, plus:

20% discount on all products and services, including therapies
Priority access to accommodation, including peak periods where possible
One reduced-rate barn booking per year
One enhanced stay benefit per year
Invitation to an annual Lead Stewards gathering
Recognition as a key supporter of the farm
Occasional involvement in longer-term stewardship conversations

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Stewards membership

£120.00 GBP

Consider yourself at home

We want you to take understand how the ecosystem works, throughout the seasons, and to take responsibility.

Become a Steward

Part of the Family

We hope to be able to give your children the freedom to grow in and around nature

Get involved

Help build community

We want to help families grow alongside others in a sharing community surrounded by an abundant ecosystem

Join the team

Stewardship Blog

Approaching harvest

June 21, 2022|George Crossley

This will be our first harvest without the use of a chemical on the entire farm. It looks like most of the combine harvesting will be done in the beginning...

Organic farming conversion