About us/who we are

OrganicARTS is an educational charity based at West Town Farm in Ide, Exeter. For over 21 years, the organisation has placed the land and environment at the heart of its work, connecting people to nature, themselves, and each other through creative, inclusive experiences.

Located just three miles from Exeter city centre, OrganicARTS benefits from a 160-acre working organic farm with permissive paths that wind through apple orchards, meadows, woodland, a stream, and even an old railway cutting. The site includes a vibrant community garden, two canopied seating areas (one with a firepit), and creative workshop spaces, including a fully equipped ceramic studio with kiln and potters’ wheels.

OrganicARTS works with a wide range of educational groups, from nursery and school-age children to college students and home educators. The team also offers bespoke workshops in clay, natural dyeing, storytelling, and creative team-building, led by experienced educators and artists.

The charity runs two regular community programmes:

• The Community Garden Project (Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30am–3:30pm) provides a supportive space for adults to engage in horticulture, led by professional gardeners Julie and Kate.
• The Makers Group (Thursdays, 10:30am–1:30pm), led by Megan, is a welcoming creative group for adults of all abilities, with a particular focus on those with lived experience of mental ill health or social isolation. Participants learn new skills, work on land-inspired projects, and connect with others in a friendly, inclusive environment.

“Personally I would like to praise this place for making it possible for so many people, no matter what their personal reasons are for being there, to experience the positive interactions amongst attendees and staff.”
— Anette, Devon Partnership Trust