Reflecting on my 12-week internship with the partnership – the knowledge I’ve gained, the projects I’ve worked on, and some of my most memorable moments. Written by Georgina Cockett.
What I Have Learned as a Sussex Grazed Intern
Before this internship, my knowledge of UK farming was minimal. I didn’t know any farmers personally, and my understanding of food production was limited to what I learnt at university and from my own reading. I’ve since learned that the food and farming landscape in Sussex, as well as the wider country is complex and is experiencing some serious challenges.
At university, I came across the work of the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and their involvement in the Emergency Food Network in Brighton, but I had no idea about the breadth of their work. During my internship, I worked on Sussex Grazed, a project closely connected to the Land Use Plus initiative. Sussex Grazed is a meat box scheme designed to provide local communities with access to delicious, sustainably reared lamb, beef and goat sourced from the surrounding countryside. The main goal of the scheme is to champion high-welfare grazing livestock in our local food market while also highlighting how these animals play a vital role in boosting biodiversity, improving soil health, and helping nature thrive across the chalk grasslands of Sussex. By grazing in a way that works with nature, they create the perfect conditions for wildflowers, insects, and other wildlife to flourish, all while supporting a more sustainable local food system.
While these aims may seem simple, I’ve learned that achieving these goals involves navigating a range of challenges from logistical hurdles to broader issues within the food system. This is particularly true for meat production, as the potential closure of the county’s last remaining abattoir poses a serious threat to Sussex’s meat industry, leaving farmers with very few options. With new challenges like this surfacing every day, this is no mean feat!
What my role has involved?
In my role, I’ve been busy creating and sharing content across social media, as well as writing blogs to keep everyone in the loop about what we’re working on. Coming into the project with a fresh perspective has given me the chance to explore new and exciting ways to engage our audience. I’ve really enjoyed brainstorming fresh content ideas that not only align with the project’s goals but also help promote our regular shares.
I’ve also helped with events like our regular meat box shares. Every few weeks, I’m in the butchers and at our partnership clubhouse, handing out lamb, goat, beef, and most recently venison boxes to customers. It’s always a busy but very rewarding day.
I’ve learned so much along the way, whether it’s through reading, listening to speakers at conferences, or even getting stuck into farmer-led training. These hands-on sessions have been a real eye-opener, giving me a better understanding of what farming is really like. I’ve learned a lot about regenerative farming how it works, the benefits, and the challenges farmers face when making the switch. I have also learnt a lot about chalk grasslands in Sussex and the importance of conservation grazing animals in protecting this habitat that is seriously under threat.
Why I Have Enjoyed Working on the Changing Chalk Project
My placement at the partnership is part of the Changing Chalk project, led by the National Trust. Being part of this project has been an incredibly enriching experience. I’ve had the opportunity to meet wonderful people, including other interns and apprentices, who are completing different roles under the project. But everyone I’ve met through this clearly shares a genuine passion for protecting our local landscape and creating closer connections between people and nature.
Just a few of my highlights
One highlight was presenting at a quarterly meeting with Changing Chalk project partners. Speaking about a recent success story was both nerve-wracking and rewarding. The positive feedback I received on my confidence and enthusiasm was incredibly encouraging. It was inspiring to learn more about the broader project, hear about other partners’ successes, and exchange ideas. It was a fantastic opportunity to see the impact of our collective work and build connections with others.
Visiting Plumpton College was an important part of the internship, the Sussex Grazed team had the chance to engage with young people and highlight the role of conservation grazing. Speaking with agricultural students, who are the future of farming, was a great opportunity to share insights about the scheme and how we manage direct sales with our customers. We hope it provided them with useful information and inspiration for their future careers.
A recent highlight for me was attending the Oxford Real Farming Conference. It was an inspiring event packed with insights into the UK food system and sustainable farming practices. I especially enjoyed sessions on Sustainable Meat Production and a workshop on deer as a future food source, both were really valuable for my work on Sussex Grazed. Hearing from experts in the field was incredibly motivating and it was a great chance to connect with others working towards creating a better food system.
Final reflections
From the moment I walked into the ‘big blue and yellow building,’ I’ve felt welcomed and appreciated. Working alongside people who are truly passionate about creating positive change has been inspiring. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the skills I’ve gained, and most importantly, how it has further ignited my passion to contribute to building a better, fairer food system for everyone in the UK.
