The therapeutic benefits of working outside in the fresh air and in association with plants and the soil have been known for generations and have in recent years received academic confirmation. A commercial horticultural venture lends itself to a mixed workforce: mixed hours per week from full time to just a few hours per week, mixed expectations and mixed abilities. The work itself would be very varied, a major feature in helping people re-engage with working life. There would be opportunities to work alone (but alone with nature) and in small groups, as well as a feeling of being part of a larger team, all in an understanding environment.

The produce from this horticultural enterprise will be sold, as far as posible, to end-users. A specific market has been identified and investigated, supplying the pub trade. Our customers will then be able to promote their businesses as serving meals with locally grown seasonal vegetables. There will also be direct retail opportunities such as farm gate sales and schemes promoting the consumption of locally grown seasonal vegetables.

We will promote our enterprise as managing land to the highest possible standards of stewardship.

The flexibility of this programme allows trainees considerable choice in several areas such as the number of half days to be worked each week, or whether to work, under the care of a tutor, in a small group or largely alone. It should also be possible for traineees to pursue particular specialisations such as propagation or working with specific groups of plants such as ornamentals, hardwoods, herbs or edible crops.

Where appropriate, trainees will be encouraged to act as team leaders or as volunteer tutors. As the enterprise grows, there may be opportunities for some trainees to become employees. It is planned that at least one trainee, preferably two, will sit on the Board of the social enterprise, along with volunteer and "shareholder" representatives, general manager and trustees , and others will become involved in some of the planned community engagement activities.