What we do:
The Happy Belly Foods Project is a conscious food-growing initiative rooted in
remembering that food is our first medicine—and that by nourishing biodiversity within our
bodies, we immediately support (bio)diversity in the world around us. As within, so without.
As gardeners, we see ourselves as stewards of this 0.5-acre plot.
It is our living classroom and sanctuary where we explore the deep connection between healthy, vital soils, our bellies, and the planet. As above, so below. Because nature needs us to remember our role in the web of life.
Rooted in biodynamic methods, our vision is to be a place of learning and reconnection:
we come together in community—across generations, belief systems, and backgrounds—to remember and reimagine our shared essence of being human in this wonderful world.
Through hands-in-the-earth practice, we remember our connection to land, revive lost
knowledge, reclaim traditions, and reconnect with the cycles of life.
We grow a rich diversity of foods, including cabbages for fermentation, vibrant salad greens, a range of medicinal plants, and heritage fruit varieties grafted onto strong rootstocks. Part of our work to bring traditional orchards back into the beloved landscape of the South Downs and nourish our vitamin supply for the future.
As gardeners, we take our place in the web of life, and together we grow in rhythm with
nature across the seasons.
We collaborate with Future Roots to hold land ceremonies marking the turning of the Celtic
wheel, and with Old Tree Brewery on fermentation workshops and events. In the year ahead, we’ll also be working with bodyworkers, yoga teachers, and spiritual practitioners to offer seasonal gatherings that nourish both body and spirit—so watch this space!
Volunteer days are every Friday and Saturday. Whether you’re an experienced grower or
simply curious, come get your hands in the soil and be part of this unfolding story.
About me…
The Happy Belly Foods Project was started in 2021 by Anna Lehmann, an agricultural
economist, bio-dynamic grower, and passionate advocate for land-based healing. With a
background in climate policy and community-led conservation across four continents, Anna
now brings her hands and heart to the soil in the South Downs.
As the main space holder for the plot, she holds a vision of reconnection: between people and
the land, food and health, tradition and future. She weaves biodynamic practice with deep
listening, seasonal ceremony, and a belief that growing food is sacred work. Through the
Happy Belly Foods Project, she invites others to remember what it means to be
human—rooted, nourished, and in rhythm.
The Happy Belly Foods Project is a conscious food growing project working with bio-dynamic methods to feed and heal our bellies and the web of life. We are part of the Stanmer Organics community and stewards of an half acre plot. We run volunteer days most Fridays and Saturdays. Come join us! @HappyBelly.Foods
Further information:
We grow heritage fruit tree seedlings and indigenous annual and
perennial herbs and food crops.
If you would like to join us, please contact us on:
Stanmer Organics 