THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Turn a paddock into a living classroom: join a six-hour agroforestry workshop at Levenvale Farm to learn syntropic planting, soil repair and low-cost water strategies. Plant, share a BYO potluck lunch, and leave with species lists and local contacts to grow your own food forest.
Turn a paddock into a living classroom: join a six-hour agroforestry workshop at Levenvale Farm to learn syntropic planting, soil repair and low-cost water strategies. Plant, share a BYO potluck lunch, and leave with species lists and local contacts to grow your own food forest.
Book with Levenvale Farm
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Levenvale Farm · Hydes Creek, New South Wales
Levenvale Farm sits on a gentle ridge above Hydes Creek in New South Wales, where pasture meets remnant subtropical rainforest and a community-led experiment to convert paddock into food forest is underway. Soul to Soil, Soil to Seed is a hands-on agroforestry workshop (approximately six hours) that invites growers, gardeners and curious visitors to learn syntropic design, soil-building and plant-guild techniques while contributing labor to Bellingen’s merry own food forest living education hub. The day opens with a short drop-in meditation, then moves into practical stations led by Joseph Fairburn (Golden Dawn Growing), Zachary Paterson (Seeds of Syntropy) and Bebe where participants rotate through planting, mulching, contouring and water-capture exercises. Hosts share actionable techniques—chisel planting, companion species for layered canopies, nitrogen-fixers, dynamic accumulators and low-cost erosion control—that are immediately applicable to gardens, small farms and larger restoration projects. The site demonstrates distinct local elements: red brown basaltic loam in compact paddock pockets, fringe eucalyptus and bangalay trees, and small gullies that collect seasonal flows—features that shape planting choices and water strategy. Work is tactile and social: live music threads the morning and afternoon, a BYO potluck lunch becomes a knowledge-sharing table, and conversations range from permaculture basics to succession timelines and market species. The itinerary runs roughly 9:00 to 15:30 and accommodates up to 40 people, making it a concentrated, community-focused day rather than a long-form course. This program suits beginners through experienced growers; no technical certification is required, but basic fitness for a half-day of bending, carrying mulch and standing on uneven ground helps you get the most from the day. Practical takeaways include planting lists tailored to the mid-north coast, simple soil tests, mulching regimes, and a compact plan to scaffold succession over five to fifteen years. Beyond technique, the workshop functions as a launchpad: many participants return home with species lists, connections to local seed networks and the confidence to begin transforming marginal paddocks into productive, biodiverse parcels. Hydes Creek sits a short drive from Bellingen, where accommodation, cafes and farm-supply stores allow visitors to extend the learning with local tours, seed libraries and downstream restoration projects. Plan for sun and sudden showers: layered clothing, good boots and a hat are essential; bring water, gloves and a small trowel if you have one. By the end of the day you’ll have planted, learned practical soil stewardship, shared a meal and joined a local network working to make food systems more resilient on the mid-north coast. Expect clear instruction, repeated demonstrations and a patient, collaborative pace where questions are welcomed; whether repairing degraded ground, expanding a backyard orchard or simply curious about regenerative practice, this workshop provides practical steps and local contacts to sustain work beyond the day.
No, the workshop suits beginners and experienced growers; hosts demonstrate tasks and offer guidance at every station.
Layered clothing, closed-toe boots, a hat and rain jacket are recommended—conditions can change quickly.
No; there is a BYO potluck lunch—participants are invited to bring dishes to share, and hosts provide facilitation but not meals.
Yes; labeled local provenance plants or seed swaps are welcome but discuss species with hosts to ensure they fit the planting plan.
Terrain is uneven paddock and may be difficult for wheelchairs; contact the organizer in advance to discuss accessibility options.
The workshop accommodates up to 40 people, creating a small-group learning environment with practical rotation stations.
Levenvale Farm is a working agricultural property located in Hydes Creek, New South Wales that offers immersive, hands-on experiences focused on sustainable farming and seasonal food skills. The farm presents a range of guided walks and practical workshops delivered by on-site practitioners including Sam and Luigi. Sam leads regenerative grazing and livestock-focused walks such as Regenerative Cattle Farming, while Luigi guides market gardening sessions that explore permaculture and biodynamic approaches. Levenvale Farm’s program includes pasture-raised poultry tours, a Guided Rainforest Trail, closed-loop composting demonstrations, and practical food-preservation classes. Specialist sessions cover Nose to Tail Butchery with Bello Beef animals, Tallow Making for simple rendering of beef fat, and a Farm Feast — from Paddock to Plate — featuring meals prepared by on-site chefs using organic, home-grown ingredients. The Plant a Tree experience introduces tree selection, growth, and ecosystem roles, while Closed Loop Composting workshops show small- and large-scale compost systems and microbial processes. Levenvale Farm focuses on connecting visitors to land management, sustainable food production and seasonal skills through direct observation and practical participation. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the farm offers structured opportunities for learners, food enthusiasts and visitors seeking tangible insight into regenerative practices and farm-based food craft. Featured on The Adventure Collective.
Book with Levenvale Farm