Recently, Edinburgh Food Social organised a farm trip for the young people at Castlebrae. The Free Company, run by brothers Charlie and Angus, is a regenerative farm, restaurant, and place of learning. This school trip was not only a fun break from the kids’ routine, but it also offered a chance for them to learn about sustainable farming, the importance of agriculture, and the everyday work that goes into running a farm. Our experience at The Free Company was a perfect blend of education, nature, and hands-on learning.
When we arrived at The Free Company, we were greeted by the friendly faces of the farm owners. Their warm welcome set the tone for the entire day. The farm was nestled in a beautiful valley, surrounded by rolling hills and wide open fields. The fresh country air was a pleasant change from the city hustle. We could already see some of the animals peeking out from their barns.
The Free Company’s sustainable ethos informs every part of its operation and has seen the company partake in some ingenious waste-saving practices. These include feeding mash (a byproduct of their suppliers’ brewing process) to the farm’s pigs. The company also reuses many pieces of equipment. What’s more, the creation of regenerative mixed pasture, woodland, and market gardens has seen biodiversity across the farm increase sixfold over the past four years.
Our first stop was the vegetable garden where we learned how The Free Company grows everything from tomatoes and carrots to squash and kale using organic methods. The owners were eager to share their knowledge about composting, crop rotation, and how they control pests without using chemicals. We even got to try our hand at preparing the rhubarb crops for winter by covering them with a layer of insulating compost. As with our bramble and dock seed foraging trip, it was great to have hands-on experience with the produce.
The young people listening to Charlie
Next, we toured the barn, where we learned about how compost is made. This was followed by the young peoples’ highlight of the day – meeting some of the farm’s animals. The young people loved seeing the cows and sheep out in the field together. It was incredible to see how much daily care and attention the animals required to stay healthy.
One of the most valuable lessons of the day was understanding the importance of sustainability in farming. The Free Company prides itself on its eco-friendly practices, such as using rainwater to irrigate crops and avoiding pesticides. We were shown how these eco-friendly practices, and others like them, preserve the soil’s health and protect local wildlife habitats. The farmers shared stories of how their efforts have helped the land thrive for generations and how they are committed to ensuring its future.
After a morning filled with activities, we headed back to the EFS kitchen to make lunch using produce from The Free Company. With guidance from our wonderful chef-activists, the young people prepared fresh salads, a vegetarian curry, and flatbreads. It was a great opportunity for the students to appreciate the direct connection between the food we eat and the work that goes into producing it.
The young people working in the EFS kitchen
As the day came to a close, we gathered around our table to reflect on everything we had learned. The students were full of questions and eager to share their favourite moments of the day. It was clear that the trip had made a lasting impact on them, especially when it came to understanding where food comes from and the importance of supporting local, sustainable farms when possible.
Visiting The Free Company proved to be more than just a fun outing—it was a hands-on lesson in environmental responsibility, hard work, and community. We left with a newfound appreciation for farming and a desire to learn more about how we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
A huge thank you to The Free Company for hosting us and giving us such an enriching experience. We will cherish the memories of this trip for years to come, and we’re already looking forward to our next adventure in the great outdoors.
You can watch a video of our trip on YouTube.
