Retreating from the demands of modern life: Lessons to take away from the farm

Life on our farm is far from quiet—there’s a constant rhythm of planting, tending, harvesting, and caring. But amidst the busy days, there’s a grounding simplicity that feels like a retreat from the demands of “normal” modern life. 

In 2020 we started a smallholding to become self-sufficient - we spent whole days completely remote, immersed in the utter tranquillity and peacefulness of the farm and living at the pace of nature. Since then, we’ve come a long way—we’re not only self-sufficient but we’re bringing the joy of owning a smallholding to many others in our community who have the same desire but don’t have the time or resources to raise hens’, milk the cows or grow the crops. And while members are gaining access to the sustainable, nutrient-rich food from the smallholding they co-own, there’s another aspect of farm life and rural living that I wish everyone could experience - and that’s the lessons the farm teaches us. 

Here are a few that we can all take into our everyday lives: 

Slow Down 

Whether we’re walking among the lush pastures, gazing at the sweeping views of the South Downs, or simply sitting in the quiet, listening to the sounds of nature, weekend that this land offers more than just food—it offers peace, inspiration, and a deep connection to the earth. On the farm, everything follows nature’s timeline: seeds don’t sprout faster because we’re in a hurry, and the seasons can’t be rushed. This observation has taught us the value of slowing down, being present, and trusting the process. In everyday life, this might be as big as taking a moment to pause before making an important decision or as small as enjoying the natural rhythm of weekend mornings. This weekend try waking up to your natural body clock (or your child’s!), making your favourite breakfast and taking your time to get ready before strolling to the local farm shop - really embrace slow living. 

Find Joy 

There's a special kind of magic in the first bloom of the season, or when our forest gardens are full of thriving wild foods like herbs, mushrooms, berries, and greens. There is joy to be found in the feel of soil between our fingers when harvesting seasonal veg, and something so calming about the patter of rain hitting the barn roof that houses our jersey cows in the Winter months. And wow, when you hear those sweet peeping sounds of the chicks hatching in early Spring. These small moments surround us on the farm and remind us to nd joy in the simple, everyday

things—whether it’s savouring a cup of coffee or stepping outside to breathe fresh air, our farm teaches us that there is beauty in the smallest moments if only we allow ourselves to recognise and enjoy them. 

Connection is Everything 

On our yearly trips to France, we visit family and retreat from long days on the farm. This time often allows space to reflect on life back in England and notice the different ways of living. It doesn’t escape us that when in France, we visit our local farmers markets, a couple times a week. There's a stand for everything you could possibly need. From artisan cheese to specialist cured meats – the simple act of picking up those weekly essentials feels much more personalised than the disconnected supermarket experience you often have back in the UK. That feeling of connecting with the cheesemonger who knows all about the cows that made the cheese you like the look of or the market gardener who knows how the crops have made it through a particularly rainy season, all adds up to leave a feeling of deep connection when doing your weekly shop. When opening our farm shop, it was our dream to bring this same deep feeling of connection. To create a place where you know and trust that we have either hand grown or reared the produce ourselves and hand selected each and every item, forging connections with the people involved along the way. It’s a constant reminder that relationships—with people, nature, and ourselves—are what truly sustain us. 

Work with the Seasons 

From the abundance of Spring to the Autumn harvest, our gardens reect the seasonal rhythms, providing a diverse array of fresh produce year-round. By working in harmony with nature, we foster a thriving ecosystem that supports pollinators and promotes plant diversity to create a resilient food system. We plan our days around the weather and our crops around the seasons, often having to react and pivot unexpectedly when the frost comes a little early or we’re hit with a surprise downpour (and with British weather, you never know when the rain is going to stop!) There can be comfort in finding the rhythms of the seasons, and while there can be discomfort when things do not go quite to plan, it also teaches us the importance of learning to surrender to what will be by embracing the ebb and flow of life and all the uncertainties that come with it.

Simplify Where Possible 

Life on the farm isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose. Our farming practices are rooted in the principles of regenerative agriculture, which seeks to restore and enhance the health of the land. By using natural methods, such as no-dig market gardening, cover cropping, and composting, we actively work to improve soil fertility, increase biodiversity, and promote a thriving farm ecosystem. While this approach might take more planning or sound more complicated than regular farming practices, in many ways it’s looking for simple solutions to our problems. For example, our chickens prepare the ground by eating up wireworms and fertilising the veg beds and the ducks roaming the garden would help to control slugs and snails by eating them. Take this lesson into everyday life by asking the simple questions and just maybe you’ll find simple solutions. 

Taking These Lessons Away 

You don’t need to physically manage a farm or smallholding to embrace the lessons it teaches. It’s about finding small ways to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. Maybe it’s starting a garden, taking a walk in the park, or simply slowing down long enough to notice the world around you. Life can feel overwhelming, but the farm reminds us that a simpler, more grounded way of living is always within reach.