Courses and Events Old Sleningford offers a superb venue for courses and events. Its quiet, rural location with facilities both inside and out makes it ideal for any activity to take place. If you are interested in any of the courses but the dates are not suitable for you, please let us know as we can arrange alternative dates if there is sufficient interest.

Workdays - First Sunday of Every Month Come down to the farm on the first Sunday of every month for a bit of fresh air, exercise, fun and food! We do a variety of jobs - working in the Forest Garden, raised beds, polytunnel or in the field - whatever needs doing at the time. It's a really good way of meeting like minded people and to learn a new skill or gain knowledge. Some work can be physical (digging, mulching etc), others quite gentle (weeding, setting the dinner table for example). You can choose how hard you work and for how long. Hot lunch is provided by us, made from produce grown on the farm whenever possible. Suitable for all ages, if you have any special requirements please contact us to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.

Bent Willow Chair Making - Saturday 7th March 2009 - 9.30am to 4.30pm You will design and make a chair from willow and hazel grown at the Farm. You decide the size and shape, which often comes from how the pieces of wood bend and fit together. Having an extra pair of hands comes in handy when making a chair and this is a good course for a couple to attend. £65 per person includes lunch, refreshments and all materials to make a chair to take home with you. £95 for a couple making one chair between them. £30 for instruction only, ideal if you don't have a vehicle large enough to take one home with you but want the skills to make one at home. Request information / Make booking

Edible Forest Gardening - Saturday 4th April 2009 - 10am to 4pm An introduction to growing fruit, herbs, salad, vegetables and nuts in a highly productive but potentially low maintenance planting scheme. By the end of the day, participants will have a basic understanding of the principles of a Forest Garden. Old Sleningford Farm has a 5 year old Forest Garden which is still being planted, but already has high yields of produce, and will be used to demonstrate what you will learn throughout the day. £45 includes lunch and refreshments. £5 concession for members of the Permaculture Association Request information / Make booking

Introduction to Outdoor Pig Keeping on a Small Scale - Saturday 23rd May 2009 - 10am to 4pm This course will give you the confidence to decide whether keeping a few pigs is right for you. You will learn how to keep pigs in an outdoor system, which breed to choose, how to look after them and what to do with the ‘end product’. It is a highly interactive course and you will have the chance to participate in some practical work with the pigs on the farm. £55 includes lunch and refreshements. £5 concession for members of the North Yorkshire Smallholders Society Request information / Make booking

Art Courses at The Stable Gallery, Old Sleningford Farm Juliet Ramsden has, for a number of years, organised a varied programme of art courses at the Stables Gallery at Old Sleningford Hall. See their website www.oldslen.fsnet.co.uk  for more details.