Events, Training & Workshops
Seed Swap 2026
It’s back! Kick-start the new growing season at Barleybird’s annual Seed Swap. We’ll once again come together to share seeds, growing tips and food stories over a cuppa. Hodmedod’s pop-up Shop! will also be open.
Seed Swap & Shop - Hodmedod's Bean Store
The Studios, London Road, Brampton, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 8DQ
11am-2pm on Saturday 7th February
Please bring along any spare packs of bought seed (opened or unopened) or your own saved seed, preferably only 1-2 years old. Please ensure your seeds are clearly labelled, including the date. Don’t worry if you don’t have seeds to swap, you’re still welcome to come and collect seeds FREE of charge.
Other free offerings will include tree saplings from the Suffolk Tree Warden Network, samples of red (yes red!) walnuts from Red Hat Orchards, and a guided tour of Hodmedod's Bean Store, Millhouse & Bakehouse with Josiah at 12 noon (the tour is free but please book to help Hodmedod manage numbers).
Hodmedod’s pop-up Shop! will be open, an opportunity to shop for pulses, grains, seeds and more from the warehouse shelves. Refreshments, soup & baked goods will be on sale from the Hodmedod Bakehouse.
The Gate, Sotterley Estate’s new self-service food retail outlet, is also now open next door, with a range of superb local food products including fresh veg from Clinks Care Farm and pastries, ferments and more from Wild Things.
We hope to see you there!
Introduction to Agroecology: Course 1 - London & Suffolk
Learning about agroecology can totally change the way you think about food. This short course / CPD is for those who care about how their food is grown and where it comes from
Introduction to Agroecology: Course 2 - Suffolk
Learning about agroecology can totally change the way you think about food. This short course / CPD is for those who care about how their food is grown and where it comes from
Introduction to Agroecology: Course 3 - London & Suffolk
Learning about agroecology can totally change the way you think about food. This short course / CPD is for those who care about how their food is grown and where it comes from
Introduction to Agroecology: Course 4 - Norwich
Learning about agroecology can totally change the way you think about food. This short course / CPD is for those who care about how their food is grown and where it comes from
Farmer Workshop - Diverse Cropping in East Anglia
Join Barleybird, plus guest speakers and farmers, for a workshop exploring the opportunities around diverse cropping in East Anglia, in particular within arable rotations.
Barleybird Seed & Plant Swap 2025
Last year, our Seed & Plant Swap was a resounding success with over 70 people attending…..so we thought we’d do it again!
Please ensure your seeds are clean and dry, and clearly labelled with the variety and date. If you don’t have seeds to swap, you are still welcome to collect some free of charge
Booking not required
Introduction to Seed Saving - Part 2
Join Gaina from Barleybird, and Kate, our local grower and seed saving expert, for informative presentations, discussions and practical activities. Some experience is preferred: either you have attended our Part 1 workshop, or you have some experience of saving seed.
Available to book now!
Introduction to Agroecology
A course for those living or working in, or around, the Suffolk & Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape
Learning will take place over 3 sessions:
Wed 22nd Jan 6.00-8.30pm (online)
Sunday 26th Jan 10.00am-4.00pm (in person at Maple Farm)
Wed 29th Jan 6.00-8.30pm (online)
To register your interest contact hello@barleybird.org or via our website
Introduction to Agroecology
A course for those living or working in, or around, the Suffolk & Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape
To register your interest contact hello@barleybird.org or via our website
Farming Landscapes for All: Suffolk Refugee Support
PRIVATE EVENT
One of a series of four community engagement farm visits in collaboration with National Landscapes
Introduction to Seed Saving - Part 1
Join Gaina from Barleybird, and Kate, our local grower and seed saving expert, for some informative and fun activities. No seed saving experience is necessary, but a love of growing and learning will help!
Available to book now!
Introduction to Agroecology
A course for those living or working in, or around, the Suffolk & Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape
To register your interest contact hello@barleybird.org or via our website
Farming Landscapes for All: Bangladeshi Women’s Association
PRIVATE EVENT
One of a series of four community engagement farm visits in collaboration with National Landscapes
Farming Landscapes for All: Suffolk Refugee Support
PRIVATE EVENT
One of a series of four community engagement farm visits in collaboration with National Landscapes
Seed & Plant Swap
Barleybird invites you to a Seed & Plant Swap at Hodmedod’s Bean Store on Saturday 23rd March, from 10am to 1pm. Bring bought or saved seed, spare seedlings and plants. If you don’t have seeds or plants to swap, you’re still welcome to come and collect some.
Stay for a cuppa and delicious food from Wakelyns Bakery. Put your questions to experienced seed saver and grower David Price. Get information, advice and free trees grown from seed in Suffolk.
Enjoy a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of Hodmedod’s Bean Store and browse the packing shelves for the full range of pulses, grains, edible seeds and more.