Soul to Soil, Soil to Seed: Hands-On Agroforestry at Levenvale Farm

Levenvale Farm sits on a gentle ridge above Hydes Creek in New South Wales, where pasture meets remnant subtropical rainforest and a community-led experiment to convert paddock into food forest is underway. Soul to Soil, Soil to Seed is a hands-on agroforestry workshop (approximately six hours) that invites growers, gardeners and curious visitors to learn syntropic design, soil-building and plant-guild techniques while contributing labor to Bellingen’s merry own food forest living education hub. The day opens with a short drop-in meditation, then moves into practical stations led by Joseph Fairburn (Golden Dawn Growing), Zachary Paterson (Seeds of Syntropy) and Bebe where participants rotate through planting, mulching, contouring and water-capture exercises. Hosts share actionable techniques—chisel planting, companion species for layered canopies, nitrogen-fixers, dynamic accumulators and low-cost erosion control—that are immediately applicable to gardens, small farms and larger restoration projects. The site demonstrates distinct local elements: red brown basaltic loam in compact paddock pockets, fringe eucalyptus and bangalay trees, and small gullies that collect seasonal flows—features that shape planting choices and water strategy. Work is tactile and social: live music threads the morning and afternoon, a BYO potluck lunch becomes a knowledge-sharing table, and conversations range from permaculture basics to succession timelines and market species. The itinerary runs roughly 9:00 to 15:30 and accommodates up to 40 people, making it a concentrated, community-focused day rather than a long-form course. This program suits beginners through experienced growers; no technical certification is required, but basic fitness for a half-day of bending, carrying mulch and standing on uneven ground helps you get the most from the day. Practical takeaways include planting lists tailored to the mid-north coast, simple soil tests, mulching regimes, and a compact plan to scaffold succession over five to fifteen years. Beyond technique, the workshop functions as a launchpad: many participants return home with species lists, connections to local seed networks and the confidence to begin transforming marginal paddocks into productive, biodiverse parcels. Hydes Creek sits a short drive from Bellingen, where accommodation, cafes and farm-supply stores allow visitors to extend the learning with local tours, seed libraries and downstream restoration projects. Plan for sun and sudden showers: layered clothing, good boots and a hat are essential; bring water, gloves and a small trowel if you have one. By the end of the day you’ll have planted, learned practical soil stewardship, shared a meal and joined a local network working to make food systems more resilient on the mid-north coast. Expect clear instruction, repeated demonstrations and a patient, collaborative pace where questions are welcomed; whether repairing degraded ground, expanding a backyard orchard or simply curious about regenerative practice, this workshop provides practical steps and local contacts to sustain work beyond the day.