Vegan Organic Network
Events
Kindling Farm Visit 20th May 2026
Tour of Kindling Vegan Organic Farm
Wednesday 20th May 2026
11.00 -12.30: Tour of the farm
12.30: Refreshments provided
About the Tour
A maximum forty visitors permitted to this event. Please register in advance. The car park can only accommodate 14 cars, we will be sharing lifts in cars and possibly a minibus.
The site is accessible via public transport.
Please note that booking is essential! We kindly ask that you don’t just turn up as parking onsite is very limited. To register your place, please click here.
This activity is open to everyone with an interest in food and farming. All ages are very welcome to join us! However, please be mindful that our farm is not accessible for prams or pushchairs and the tour will involve 2 hours of walking.
In line with our policies, we ask that you don’t bring your dogs with you.
Kindling do not have a cafe on site but refreshments will be provided, you are welcome to bring an offering towards the vegan picnic after the walk.
Over the next few years, the farm will undergo refurbishment. Unfortunately it is not wheelchair accessible at the moment and we have limited facilities with one indoor toilet which is up a set of stairs.
Please be aware that this activity includes quite a lot of walking; while there is no walking uphill, the ground is uneven which can be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. We suggest wearing flat, sturdy footwear which is waterproof.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact farm@kindling.org.uk or call 07926 975 391.
Website: https://kindling.org.uk/
The tour of Kindling farm on 20th May is being organised by the Vegan Organic Network.
Book on to the event here and send any enquiries about the day to events@veganorgsanic.net
About the Farm
Kindling use vegan organic methods to grow their produce.
The Vegan Organic Network has supported the farm financially and some of our members take part in their volunteer days.
Kindling Farm is a Community Benefit Society owned by our 800 members with the aim of creating a fairer and more sustainable food and farming system for all.
In April 2023, Kindling purchased a 78 acre farm between Manchester & Liverpool where we are now establishing a pioneering, agroforestry farm for the Northwest. Here we will research, explore, practise and demonstrate the best ways to farm for wildlife, climate change, soil and communities.
The Kindling farm is a traditional Victorian farm layout with beautiful redbrick buildings set around a cobbled courtyard. We have exciting plans and ideas to transform our neglected buildings into a thriving hub of activity. Over the past year, we’ve been working with communities to co-design our buildings and facilities which will be realised by Passivhaus Architects, Progress in Practice.
Kindling Agroforestry
As part of a project funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund and run by our sister organisation the Kindling Trust, over 9,000 fruit trees were grafted in 2021 – 2,000 of these are destined for Kindling Farm’s agroforestry system and orchard – including 40 heritage UK varieties.
Over the past few years we have been working with an amazing team of volunteers to plant these trees onsite. Until recently our agroforestry system largely comprised of apple trees but new this year, we have planted pears, plums and quince.
Approximately 80% of the farm will (eventually) be dedicated to field-scale production of vegetables, fruits, cereals and pulses utilising agroforestry methods. This will include approximately 2,000 top fruit, nut and bio-fuel trees, as a permanent feature within a 6 year crop rotation. Approximately 2 hectares of land will be dedicated to soft fruit production and to protected cropping of higher value crops.
While the farm team has overall responsibility for the trees, we hold a number of tree focused volunteer days throughout the year from Spring maintenance, to weeding in the first few years of growth and eventual harvesting of the fruit.
Alongside our volunteer days, we deliver a community engagement programme (currently supported by the The National Heritage Lottery Fund) which includes holding workshops to teach people about the different heritage varieties and gain new skills such as fruit tree pruning and apple tree grafting (in which you can take your own fruit tree home with you!).
Find out more about Kindling volunteer days here.
Book Farm Visit Here
Tree of Life Veganics Event – 4-5 July 2026
Special Guest – Vegan Queen V!
Camping, Veganic Skills Share, Guided Tours, Talks, Workshops, Foraging, Yoga, Meditation, Forest Bathing
Eco-Fest Manchester 2026
Eco Fest 2026 – Powered by the Sun & Good Vibes!
Hulme Park Saturday 16th May 12 midday – 6pm
Free event in the park!
Get ready for a festival that celebrates community, sustainability, and creativity!
Eco Fest Manchester 2026 is a vibrant showcase of local talent, environmental groups, and eco-conscious living – all powered by renewable and positive energy!
Get involved and volunteer: events@veganorganic.net
Book a stall
Live Music on the Solar-Powered Stage – A fantastic line-up of local musicians will keep the good vibes flowing all day long!
Fun for All Ages – Walk the tightrope, spin a plate, juggle (all at once if you’re feeling brave!), and don’t forget to get your face painted first!
Try Something New – Join a yoga or tai chi session and relax at a gong bath.
Vegan Food Heaven – Feast on an incredible selection of vegan food, drinks, cakes, and treats from top local caterers.
Why Vegan? – This all-vegan event is a chance to explore why plant-based living is so important—not just for personal health but for the health of our planet. Learn how small changes can make a big impact!
Get Crafty – Try your hand at willow basket-making and other creative workshops (more details to come!).
Zapparelli Circus Workshop: Tightrope walking, unicycling, plate spinning, stilts, juggling, diablo.
Get Inspired! – Explore stalls from community groups and environmental charities, packed with info on how we can all make a difference for the planet.
Thought-Provoking Talks
12 midday: Writing Workshop with Culture Word: Create a group shape poem inspired by natural forms, plus write your personal pledge to the environment. Radhaika Kapur
1pm: How does manifestation really work? – What can I do to create a life of purpose, joy and abundance? In this practical talk, based on his new book, Giles Bryant shares 30 years of research to help you achieve the life of your dreams.
2pm: The Keys to Vitality: Superfoods & Medicinal Mushrooms Join Juliette Bryant for an inspiring journey into the world of superfoods and medicinal mushrooms. Discover how these powerful allies from nature can help you boost immunity, balance stress, enhance brain function, and support long-term wellbeing. From Reishi to Lion’s Mane, from spirulina to cacao –Juliette shares practical tips, ancient wisdom, and modern research to help you thrive in harmony with the Earth. Perfect for anyone seeking more energy, clarity, and natural ways to support their health in today’s world, with Juliette Bryant – Nutritionist, Author & Earth Wisdom Keeper. https://www.juliettebryant.com/
3pm: Introduction to Planet Friendly Gardening – Ready to make your garden greener? You will learn eco-friendly techniques to grow a thriving, nature-friendly garden. Learn about organic ways to feed your vegetables, fruits and herbs, how to encourage wildlife and discourage pests, and how you can contribute to a healthier planet by building soil and promoting biodiversity.
4pm: Solidarity in the City – How we are building an alternative to “business as usual”
Nic Prescott, Co-Operation Manchester
Workshops:
11am-1pm: Crafty Art with Z-arts
From 11.30am: Sprouting Workshop with the Growing Nature Academy- Discover the power of sprouting! Sprouts are packed with nutrients and can be easily grown at home using just a jar and a windowsill. Visit our stand to learn all about sprouting and sample a variety of delicious sprouts, including lentil, mung bean, chickpea, and broccoli sprouts. In our hands-on workshop, you fill a plant pot with soil, plant pre-sprouted marrowfat peas, and give them a good water. You take your pot home, place it on a sunny windowsill, and watch the sprouts grow—ready to harvest in just eight days!
Willow Weaving: Cherry Chung is a Manchester based basket maker and willow artist. She first learned how to make baskets in 1996, and mainly uses native materials such as willow, bark and rushes to make basketry, living installations and sculpture.
Live Music and Poetry
Calypso George and friends will be playing : African, Caribbean, and Mento music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyAriRi9n6E
The Perpetual Choirs Giles & Juliette Bryant will share songs of the Earth, community and healing. Expect joyful harmonies and uplifting songs. Giles created the VON award-winning song, Wildlife Emergency.
Green Manc songs of resistance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlsnA1Roivo
Bicho Cezar – Allotment Rap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2b669ngYDU
Amy-Michelle writes and performs songs that speak to the beauty of belief, the depth of connection, and the journey of growing up with purpose. Youtube
Naomi Kalu: A rising star in Manchester’s grassroots music scene, Naomi Kalu blends soulful storytelling with an eclectic mix of indie, folk and alternative influences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42lLn331_Xg&t=6s
Vegan Queen V: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AswnsXMHYY
| Eco Fest Willow Sculpture Trail: |
Get involved and volunteer
Email: events@veganorganic.net
Book a stall
Many thanks to supporting groups and organisations.
Click on their logos to find out more.
Working together for a Green, Clean, Cruelty Free World!
Veganic Cannabis – Interview with Anuar Peche
A Champion of Vegan Organic in Latin America
Wednesday 4th March
1pm GMT, 10am in Argentina, 8am EST
Click Here To Watch on YouTube
Live Q & A
Anuar is an investigative journalist and soil microbiologist with 19 years of cannabis cultivation experience. He told us that he first became inspired to join the veganic movement when he found out about VON in 2014. Since then he has been on a mission to pioneer veganic farming in Argentina, focusing on cannabis to leverage its unique legal status and high nutritional value. His achievements in promoting vegan organic methods both in Argentina and other parts of Latin America have been staggering. Anuar has:
- Taught veganic farming at more than 10 universities and in more than 70 cities. (He uses data-driven arguments (e.g., 30–40% cost reduction, 4.1% yield increase) to convince farmers, as he believes that emotional appeals are ineffective.)
- Trained more than 200 home growers and agronomists.
- Due to continuous encouragement from CVC three fertilizer brands opted for “Vegan Friendly” or “Suitable for vegan crops” labels.
- Been invited to speak at regional expos in Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil.
- Written a book with a 300 page text on veganic farming which is nearly complete. The book contains 3 manuals: bio-inputs, plant-based recipes, and medicinal infusions.
- Conducted research into Flavonoids, plant intelligence, and allelopathy (plant to plant interactions).
However, he is not content with this and has several other projects in the pipeline. One of his goals is to establish a formal veganic certification standard in Argentina. He believes that securing institutional support from the Vegan Organic Network (VON) will add credibility when lobbying Argentine certifiers. We agreed that VON will provide institutional backing and feature CvC on our website. We also agreed that Anuar will contribute articles and a pre-recorded, subtitled video interview for VON’s audience.
Anuar founded the organisation Circular Vegan Culture (CVC) www.cultivovegano.com five years ago. It offers a range of services, all under the CVC heading:
- Cultivo Vegano Cannabis – plant breeding, veganic production of cannabis plants and sale of varieties registered in Argentina.
- Cultivo Vegano Consultora – Consultancy for businesses, research projects, associations and agricultural co-operatives looking to enter into the cannabis industry and production of healthy foods. Registration of nurseries, seeds, products and patents.
- Cultivo Vegano Cursos – Advice and courses on regenerative and veganic agriculture.
- Control Vegano de Calidad – Investigation, soil analysis, analysis of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, vegan certification.
- Comunidad Verde Creativa – Marketing for businesses wishing to innovate in the sector. Events and sustainable tourist routes. Audiovisual presentations, press and product launches.
The Argentine Context
Anuar believes that there is plenty of potential for growth in veganism in his country. We were surprised to learn that in a country famous for its beef, a Union Vegana Argentina (UVA) survey suggests 12% of the population is vegan. Unlike in the UK, Argentina also has a progressive legal framework in terms of cannabis legislation. Production for medicinal purposes was legalised in 2017 and there are now more than 300,000 registered patients. Industrial cannabis for textiles and hemp for food were approved in 2021. Anuar believes that the next obstacle to overcome is the certification gap. As yet, no official veganic certification exists for agriculture. He is, therefore, developing standards and negotiating with three major certifiers.
Anuar is also developing a seed bank to preserve indigenous varieties and supply veganically grown seeds to native communities.
Watch live and and ask questions or click here to watch later.
Contact Anuar
Email: cultivoveganocannabis@gmail.com
Calling all vegan organic growers and plant-based composters!
Soil Ecology Lab has just launched the UK’s first Compost Championships — a nationwide competition bringing together compost makers from across the UK to discover just how good compost can be. If you’re creating compost without animal inputs and championing soil health through plants, this is your chance to show what plant-based organic compost can really do.
We know that “best compost” can be a contentious idea. That’s why judging is rooted firmly in science, not opinion. Entries are assessed through microscope analysis of microbial abundance and diversity, alongside the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, which indicates how accessible nutrients are for plants. These metrics allow plant-based compost to stand on its own merits — and often shine. Results will be published in a public ranking table, with quarterly winners celebrated every three months and an overall champion crowned next December. Thanks to our fantastic compost-focused sponsors, there are prizes for winners and runners-up.
At its heart, though, this competition is about celebrating everyone who composts. All entrants gain access to weekly community Zoom calls hosted by Soil Ecology Lab — a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, or simply listen in as fellow compost enthusiasts exchange ideas and insights.
Every participant also receives 20% off Soil Ecology Lab training, including:
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Hot composting for biologically rich compost (Berkeley method)
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Compost extracts and microbial propagation via compost teas
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Compost and liquid analysis using microscopy (1-day and 4-day courses)
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A 3-day Precision Organic Nutrition course
The greatest reward is the deeper understanding you’ll gain of the compost you’ve carefully created. Knowing the biology and nutrient dynamics of what you’re adding to your soil — or inoculating your seeds with — is essential for resilient soils and thriving plants. Plant-based compost has an important role to play in regenerative, ethical growing systems, and this competition offers a platform to demonstrate that.
So come and join the fun, learning, and friendly competition by entering the UK’s First Compost Championships. All compost types are welcome — and plant-based compost is strongly encouraged!
Want to enter but need support?
The Vegan Organic Network has funding available to support two entries from VON members.
For more information, email: info@veganorganic.net
Enter competition
Veganic Gardeners Question Time – Wednesday 28th January 2026
Ever wanted to know how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers?
Our monthly show is here to help!
Send your questions to: events@veganorganic.net
Wednesday 28th January 2026 7pm-7.45pm UK
Click here to watch for free on YouTube
Giles Bryant: The founder of World Healing Project who have promoted wellbeing initiatives around the world for 20 years. Giles has helped plant many veganic gardens, orchards, forest gardens and medicinal herb gardens. He has been presenting Veganic Gardeners Time for several years and loves gardening, yoga and nature. Giles is a music producer, songwriter and author.
Piers Warren: Conservationist, film-maker, author and keen grower of organic fruit and vegetables. He is the founder of Wildeye – The International School of Wildlife Film-making. Author of several books, including How To Store Your Garden Produce and co-author of The Vegan Cook and Gardener.
Rhonda-T Warren: A devoted gardener with more than four decades of experience. She has cultivated a variety of crops, including vegetables, sprouts, and mushrooms, and produced garlic for retail markets. In 2016, she founded Terra Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit dedicated to providing a safe and permanent home for rescued farmed animals. As a mentor and advocate, Rhonda-T actively promotes veganism and veganic farming practices, striving to educate others on ethical agriculture and the importance of animal freedoms.
Terra is certified as a veganic farm
https://terrafarmsanctuary.org/
Maureen Robertson: Has over 25 years of experience working with herbs and sharing the Green knowledge. She co-founded the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine in 1992 offering courses from introductory to professional training at BSc and MSc degree level. In 2012 she established the Herbal Apprenticeship at Drimlabarra Herb Farm, Isle of Arran, Scotland which she ran for 4 years before relocating to Portugal. Her work in Peru and Ecuador with shamans and teacher plants has deepened her healing and rejuvenation practices. https://www.theherbalpath.net/
Veganic Gardeners’ Question Time hopes to inspire and bring new ideas to foragers, growers and gardeners alike.
Now more than ever it is vital that we engage with how our food is grown.
A Vegan Organic Network production
Opportunity for a Veganic Site Coordinator & Possible Business Partner near Faversham, Kent
Are you an ethical vegan passionate about veganic farming/growing and eager to collaborate in a unique forest farm enterprise? Join Tree of Life Veganics as a Site Coordinator and potentially a business partner in cultivating a sustainable future.
About the Role:
Take responsibility for overseeing/caretaking the secondary farm site (approx. 3ha) within a total of 7.5ha across two locations (about 2 miles apart).
Work closely under the guidance of Jo Kidd, the owner and overall farm director, to ensure smooth operations and alignment with the farm’s vision and plans.
Help build and maintain off-grid infrastructure, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the farm.
Ensure the secondary site is profitable and contributes positively to the overall farm business.
Opportunities:
Develop your own veganic business under the Tree of Life Veganics umbrella—whether growing, processing, artisan craft, or other veganic ventures.
Potential for further investment and long-term business partnership.
What’s Provided?
Free off-grid accommodation: choose between a converted horse lorry or a two-bedroom static caravan. Both have wood-burners.
Free supply of cordwood for heating logs.
Electricity partly powered by solar panels and car batteries. Water all from rainwater collection – embrace sustainable, off-grid living.
Access to machinery, equipment, and tools to support your work and business activities.
Use of a dedicated workspace in a pole barn on your site and access to the main barn on the primary site.
Your general activities will be covered under the farm’s existing Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and Employer’s Liability Insurance (ELI).
Who We’re Looking For:
Ethical vegan committed to veganic principles and sustainable living.
Right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor UK work visas.
Self-motivated, responsible and trustworthy. A calm, can-do approach with a sense of adventure.
Willing and able to help, or learn to help, to maintain the off-grid infrastructure as well as developing further infrastructure when needed.
Focused on making the secondary site profitable for the overall farm business, while also creating and growing your own veganic venture.
Non-smoker, non-drinker.
Long-term commitment with potential for further investment and business partnership.
A like-minded collaborator who values excellent communication, co-creation, mutual learning and shared growth.
🌱 Ready to grow with us? 🌱
If you feel inspired to become a key member of our growing veganic enterprise and would enjoy the challenge of managing a farm site and helping it to thrive, whilst creating your own veganic enterprise, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief introduction outlining your interest and experience to:
jo@treeoflifeveganics.org
Join us at Tree of Life Veganics and help nurture a sustainable, compassionate future—rooted in the earth and blossoming with possibility.
Veganic Gardeners Question Time – End of Year Special 2025
Ever wanted to know how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers?
Our monthly show is here to help!
Send your questions to: events@veganorganic.net
Thursday 18th December 2025 7pm-7.45pm UK
Click here to watch for free on YouTube
Panel:
Giles Bryant: Giles is the founder of World Healing Project who have promoted wellbeing initiatives around the world for 20 years. Giles has helped plant many veganic gardens, orchards, forest gardens and medicinal herb gardens. He has been presenting Veganic Gardeners Question Time for several years and loves gardening, yoga and nature. Giles is a music producer and songwriter and author of two books, Sacred Sites Sacred Songs and The Mechanics of Manifestation. www.worldhealingproject.com
Juliette Bryant: Juliette is a nutritional therapist, superfood alchemist and plant-lover. She runs Juliette’s Kitchen teaching courses, creating products and sharing her love of the earth and the power of plants and mushrooms. She is the author of 4 books, her latest being 7 Magical Mushrooms. She lives in Suffolk with her family and has a very productive veganic vegetable and herb garden and is a trustee of Vegan Organic Network charity. www.juliettebryant.com
Graham Burnett: Graham is a highly-respected permaculture teacher and author. His latest book, Make Compost Not Work features a compilation of his gardening columns from The Idler magazine. His book, Permaculture a Beginners Guide is a classic in the field. Graham runs Spiralseed which runs a variety of courses including the Vegan Permaculture Design Course. www.spiralseed.co.uk
Ellen Mary: Ellen Is a horticultural radio show host, TV presenter and writer. She has travelled all over the world to discuss the benefits that nature provides to our wellbeing – specifically gardening. She is the author of The Joy of Gardening and How To Grow A Garden. She is the founder of People Plants Wellbeing providing nature therapy, integrative wellness & spiritual healing www.ellenmarygardening.co.uk/
Piers Warren: Piers is a conservationist, film-maker, author and keen grower of organic fruit and vegetables. He is the founder of Wildeye – The International School of Wildlife Film-making. Author of several books, including How To Store Your Garden Produce and co-author of The Vegan Cook and Gardener. www.pierswarren.co.uk
Veganic Gardeners’ Question Time hopes to inspire and bring new ideas to foragers, growers and gardeners alike.
Now more than ever it is vital that we engage with how our food is grown.
A Vegan Organic Network production
Reviving Abundance Manchester
Live on Thursday 11th December at 7pm.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Join Izaak for a presentation on the achievements, ambitions and upcoming activities for Abundance Manchester.
Over the past few months we’ve reinvigorated a community project where we take volunteers to pick surplus fruit from local gardens, allotments and public spaces and redirect it to people and projects in the community.
Find out how the project works, the impact it’s having across the city, and how you can get involved! We have a regular group of people who meet up to share skills, exchange ideas and have fun.
The session will include a live Q&A, so you can ask questions and explore ideas for how you can get involved with Abundance and other upcoming Vegan Organic Network activities.
The Vegan Organic Network is keen to support more groups like Abundance Manchester. Our focus is on building community through meeting, picking fruit, growing veg and sharing meals.
“We aim to educate each other about the importance of what we eat and how we grow our food; to understand how it impacts individual health and the health of the world we live in.”
Find out more about Abundance Manchester.
Uganda’s Biggest Vegan Festival 2025!
Vegan Village Society Set to Host Uganda’s Biggest Vegan Festival 2025!
Mark Your Calendar: 13th December 2025 – Rubanda District, Uganda
Get ready for the most anticipated ethical celebration of the year! Vegan Village Society Uganda is thrilled to announce the Third Annual Vegan Festival, happening on Saturday, 13th December 2025, in the heart of Rubanda District. This year’s festival promises to be bigger, brighter, and more inspiring than ever before, bringing together compassionate hearts, plant-based innovators, and community changemakers from across Uganda and beyond.
The Vegan Festival is more than just an event, it’s a movement that celebrates kindness, sustainability, and ethical living. Visitors will experience a vibrant marketplace of cruelty-free foods, local vegan farmers, eco-friendly products, and creative art performances. There will also be educational talks, cooking demonstrations, and inspiring stories from vegan champions who are transforming communities through conscious living.
Since its humble beginnings, Vegan Village Society has grown into a powerful voice for compassion and environmental protection in Uganda. Through its festivals, school programs, women’s gardening projects, and outreach campaigns, the organization continues to show that vegan living is not only possible, it’s joyful, affordable, and deeply rewarding.
The 2025 Vegan Festival is expected to attract hundreds of participants, families, youth groups, environmentalists, farmers, and international guests, all united by a shared vision of a kinder, healthier Uganda.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, just curious about plant-based living, or a supporter of positive community change, this is the event you don’t want to miss! Come, learn, taste, and celebrate a lifestyle that heals, for the animals, the people, and the planet.
Join us on December 13th and be part of Uganda’s biggest vegan celebration!
To support or partner with the festival, reach out to Vegan Village Society Uganda www.veganug.org and help us grow a compassionate future together.
Stay in touch
For any enquiries relating to membership (or changes of address if you’re a member) please contact the membership secretary at membership@veganorganic.net – see also our Join Us page for more info.
Otherwise please get in touch with the Vegan Organic Network for any queries you have about vegan organic growing, or for more info about how to get involved.