I remember the first time I visited Ambios. It was a perfect Autumn day. As I cycled from Totnes train station to the farm, I had to keep stopping – gazing in wonder at the Dart Valley. I remember the warm welcome, the awe-inspiring views, and the spirit of the place.
On another equally clear, blue-skied day, I moved to Ambios to start my placement with the Apricot Centre. Fast-forward seven months, and I’ve embraced the daily rhythms of the place. Monday mornings bring a team check-in that sets the tone for the week ahead, providing an opportunity to share how we’re doing, and allowing us to connect and get an idea of the week’s activities. Then, we roll up our sleeves to reset the shared spaces – cleaning, restocking shelves, and creating a rota for the week ahead.
The flow of the farm changes with each new group of people. When I first arrived, there were eight of us living on site, but that changed with different volunteers coming and going throughout the first three months. The Nature Recovery Traineeship began in March, and we welcomed ten people to the farm. This vibrant, open and inspiring bunch brought fun, energy and balance to our little community. I loved cooking with others and basically hosting a dinner party every evening. Of course, it can be challenging to maintain that social energy, but having my own room and free time meant I could easily have my own space. Each new group has brought different dynamics, conversations and vibrancy to the farm and I’m excited to meet new people over the next few months.
No week looks the same. Some weeks I’ll spend more time in the garden, sometimes I’ll be helping herd and manage animals and other times I’ll be doing more general farm tasks like organising the workshops, sanding wood or preparing spaces for visiting groups. Obviously, other jobs come up, like catching escapee ducks, moving logs from fallen trees or cleaning the bunkhouse for a new group. Sometimes I get a chance to join classes on the Nature Recovery Traineeship too. I have loved learning about birds, especially joining bird surveys with Mike, and improving my plant ID skills.
I am mostly involved in the veg garden with Leona and Annie, choosing what plants to grow, organising and planting, supporting the trainees and nourishing the garden. This is a mindful space for trainees and the United Response team to learn about organic growing and the focus on wildlife makes this wild garden the most joyful place to work in. Whilst we currently grow on a tricky sloped site, we are thrilled to be redesigning the garden and I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this new project. It’s been great to build our capacity for selling produce and I would love to continue this to ensure consistent investment in the garden.
Other tasks can involve:
- Writing a nature recovery newsletter for the Ambios network
- Assisting in the Community Forest project
- Supporting new trainees
- Managing household logistics such as grocery orders and food collections
Being at Ambios has really nourished my love of foraging, connecting with nature and growing food in a community. It has also shown me the importance and joy of communal living through building support and connection with others. I’m excited for the final months of the Apricot Centre traineeship, as we delve into permaculture to see how it aligns with Ambios’ culture.
✍ Zoe Montgomery – Level 3 Trainee in Regenerative Land-Based Systems with the Apricot Centre & Ambios
