Stewards of Rushmere
Rushmere Farm is a working organic farm — a place of food, wildlife and quiet — and a space many people come to walk, gather, rest and reconnect with the land. As farming support becomes less predictable, we’re building a more resilient way forward: one rooted in community, stewardship and shared care, rather than subsidy alone.
Stewards of Rushmere is how we do that. It is a way for people to belong to the farm, help care for it, and ensure Rushmere remains a place of abundance — for land, wildlife and people — long into the future.
👉 View Stewardship Membership options
What stewardship means at Rushmere
Stewardship at Rushmere isn’t about consumption or entitlement. It’s about care, contribution and belonging. Stewardship supports the way we farm and look after the land. Through shared care, we are able to:
- Build soil health and store carbon in the ground
- Increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife
- Produce nutrient-dense, good quality food in ways that work with nature rather than against it
This long-term approach doesn’t always show immediate returns, but it creates resilient land, healthier ecosystems, and food that reflects the place it comes from. Stewardship allows us to keep choosing this path.
Who stewardship is for
Stewardship is for people who value spending time at Rushmere — whether weekly or a few times a year — and who want to take shared responsibility for the land and spaces they enjoy. Some stewards come primarily to walk, garden, compost or attend groups. Others take part in volunteering weeks, gatherings or shared work. Some stay overnight, host events, or simply return often. All of these forms of care matter.
Learning, care & shared responsibility
A central part of stewardship at Rushmere is learning how to notice and respond to the land. Through shared work, walks and gatherings, stewards begin to:
- Recognise seasonal abundance and scarcity
- Understand how soil, plants and wildlife interact
- Learn when to harvest, when to leave, and when to intervene
- Develop practical skills around growing, composting and land care
- Build respect for shared spaces and the impact of human activity
This learning benefits everyone — creating a community that is more attentive, respectful and capable of caring for the land together.
Responsible access & shared care
Some areas of the farm are sensitive to wildlife, crops or soil structure. For this reason:
- Certain paths are reserved for stewards
- Dogs are welcome on steward walks, provided they are kept under close control
- We ask all stewards to help model respectful behaviour
This shared understanding helps protect the land while still allowing people to enjoy it.
Other ways stewardship happens at Rushmere
Not all stewardship takes the form of membership.
- People employed on the farm are recognised as Lead Stewards
- Long-term partners and tenants are recognised as Engaged Stewards as part of their agreement
All forms of stewardship are valued equally.
Becoming a Steward
For those who don’t work on the farm but value spending time here, stewardship is offered through membership.
This is an invitation to:
- Belong to the farm
- Support its long-term care
- Take shared responsibility for the spaces we enjoy