Growing Places
Marie Thomson has a passion for sharing her knowledge of growing fabulous fruit and veg
NOT so long ago we were all that much more connected to the land around us. The food on our plates came from local farms, not supermarket delivery lorries. Maybe it was grown in our back gardens, using knowledge handed down by parents and grandparents.
Today’s plastic-wrapped produce might offer greater convenience, but it feels like something precious has been lost in the process. And it’s this magic which Marie Thomson is doing her best to bring back at Farming in the Field Education near Laurencekirk.
Marie, a farmer’s daughter, spent her childhood in boiler suits. Growing tatties and raspberries in the rich soil of the Mearns comes as naturally to her as breathing.
However, her experience is increasingly unusual in 2023. So now she spends her days teaching people how to grow their own and reintroducing them to the mental and physical benefits of working on the land.
In addition to the vegetable patches and polytunnels, the Farming in the Field line-up has expanded to include two Kunekune pigs and a pair of rescued donkeys, who are fast becoming the star attractions.
Marie gives lessons to pupils from the nearby Carronhill additional needs school, but she also welcomes groups and individuals of all abilities for classes and workshops – and can even offer tailored packages for birthday parties and other special occasions.
Just be prepared to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. You’ll leave with dirt under your fingernails, not to mention an armful of whatever’s in season when you call, but you’ll also gain a raft of practical skills into the bargain.
“We’re all about education here,” says Marie. “We’re not a petting farm and we’re not offering farm tours.
“People come here to learn and get hands-on. But they go away with a much better understanding of how to start growing their own fruit and vegetables at home.”
Farming in the Field Education has grown organically – pardon the pun – out of the family’s former farm shop business, What’s For Tea Tonight?
Marie gave up a 20-year career as an NHS physiotherapist to return to farming. And her new role allows her to combine caring with a passion for the land.
“The idea came from our customers asking if I could teach them how to grow the things we were selling,” she says.
“In 2022 I decided it was time to focus on the education side of things instead.
“We don’t grow vegetables to sell now, but they’re there for the classes and workshops – and people can taste whatever’s in season and take it home.”
There are two one-acre fields – one growing winter and spring vegetables, such as leeks, rhubarb, kale and Brussels sprouts – and the other summer and autumn produce, including peas, potatoes and pumpkins.
Two polytunnels contain various berry plants and there’s a covered grassy area where activities can continue all year round. Visitors can also learn how to feed, water, bed, groom and generally make a fuss of the animals, such as donkeys Keiran and Johnny.
Marie’s next big plan is to introduce raised growing areas, specially designed for wheelchair users. These will be a boon for classes with youngsters who have additional needs, but she hopes they will also be popular with visiting members of the public, who often have to look a little harder for suitable facilities. “Wheelchair accessibility is important to us here,” she says. “It means it’s suitable for toddlers and older people, too, as well as people who might have mobility issues due to conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia.” Sessions have to be booked in advance. This means Marie can tailor activities for visitors, depending on the growing calendar and what work needs done.
She welcomes all, but is passionate about providing activities for school groups and for people with additional needs and disabilities.