Fforest barn’s ethos is all about connecting with nature and optimising nutrition by growing food in an ecological, nourishing and sustainable way. We were organically certified in 2025. Our goal is ‘beyond organic’, perfecting the mineral balance in the soil, soaking seeds in a microbiome mix before planting, and other practices to optimise the nutrient density of plants. You will taste the difference. Watch this film to understand what we are doing here and why: grow your own optimum nutrition

We encourage all retreat chefs to use our home grown ‘beyond organic’ food and other local produce as much as possible and we will give you access to local suppliers. Catering is available for large groups, special events and retreats using local produce, low GL optimum nutrition ethos – vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten or dairy free if that is your preference. Options available on application if you’re booking to run a retreat.

We also sell seasonal vegetable boxes in a range of sizes so retreat visitors can take a taste of our FoodFforest home. In the summer months (from May-September) we can offer a selection of beautifully arranged cut flowers. We have a flock of free range laying hens and sell our super tasty farm eggs.

Fforest Shop

To order what we have available go to Fforest Shop.

Contact Ella via WhatsApp: 07791799198 or email: ella@holfordnaturalholidays.com to find out what produce we have available for your stay or or arrange for weekly boxes if you live locally or, if you are a chef for a retreat, order what you need for the retreat.

Join us for our next Volunteer Week at Fforest Barn Retreat!
November 4th to 13th 2025

This is a fantastic opportunity to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the farm’s sustainable future while enjoying the beauty of nature. This week is called ‘Bud’ week in honour of our new alpaca, Bud, and also the Full Moon coinciding with 5th November (we will have some fireworks).

We want strong people, ‘buddies’, preferably with building skills because the main project is completing the build, and kitting out an agrished and compost area by the Food Fforest ,making the Fforest Mountain Store and other projects that require some degree of physical labour, carpentry and general DIY skills. We also need help with feeding and supporting the team. We will have a digger, cement mixer, and chain saws so any experience with either is most appreciated. It’s more about making the infrastructure we need to run the food project here, including some ponds to help preserve water, although there will also be some winter prep and gardening options including tree management and getting wood for the winter. Whether you’re passionate about growing, environmental stewardship, or eager to learn new skills, volunteering at Fforest Barn is a rewarding experience for all. There will be the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of pond making, starting a no-dig garden, and getting stuck into wood chopping and chipping!

This year, we’re focusing on creating an agrished and compost area by the FoodFforest, a Fforest Mountain shop in the garage by the barn, and transforming the existing agrished for various projects. We’ve also got two totem poles arriving which need oiling. Also, we are optimising water collection, storage and distribution with ponds and a natural water pool.

• ⁠Building a beautiful wildlife pond to attract local fauna.
• ⁠Creating no-dig beds and pathways for our new herb and medicine garden.

Other jobs for budding lumberjacks include:

• Clearing branches, trimming hedges, and overgrown paths around the farm boundary.
• Processing fallen trees into firewood and mulch for future use.

In exchange for your time and effort, we will offer delicious food, great company and luxurious board (along with the chance to unwind and relax in the hot tub after a hard day’s work). We do need someone to help with the food as well. Patrick may also give a talk or two and is on hand to share his knowledge. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for nature, while making a lasting impact on the farm.

How?

• Fill in the online form Volunteering at Fforest Barn so we know a bit about you, your skills, food preferences and so on.
• Then select your preferred room using the form Fforest Barn Retreat Rooms stating the nights you wish to stay (arriving on the afternoon of 4th and leaving by 13th November morning – 2025). You can see the rooms here – Fforest Barn Rooms. We will then contact you back.

It will ‘sell out’ so do book your place early and we encourage you to come as a couple, or bring a friend just because we have quite a few double/twin bed rooms, or be willing to share. Those coming for more days will get priorities on room bookings.

We are 10 minutes from Abergavenny station, with trains up to Manchester, or down to London (under 2.5 hours from Paddington) via Newport. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from London. Taxis are available from Abergavenny station and our taxi driver will know if there’s others coming on the same train to split the far. We’ll tell you more details when we receive your online forms above.

For more details visit: Volunteering | Holford Natural Holidays

Fforest Shop

To order what we have available to take home go to Fforest Shop.

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