Simon’s QEST Scholarship funded courses in hedge laying and hurdle making at Writtle College, Essex and Hadlow College, Kent, enabling him to add to his ‘summer’ smallholding and horticultural skills. Additionally it supported him through a three week workshop with RJC Countryside Management where he gained ‘on the job’ hedge laying instruction.
Simon and his wife set up Guilden Gate Organic Smallholding in 1999. They produce vegetable boxes and handmade furniture and Simon continues to lay hedges and make hurdles. The site is open by appointment to those interested in organic farming and sustainable living and they also offer glamping.
