In 2005 this was a barren hectare beside the A259. Today Tuppenny Barn is a two-and-a-half-acre organic smallholding and education charity at Southbourne, West Sussex, just outside Emsworth. Maggie Haynes established it in 2005 after 21 years in the Intelligence Corps and another five working in security consultancy. What was an empty field now holds two solar polytunnels, fruit cages, vegetable and herb beds, a cut flower garden, wildlife pond, beehives and an orchard planted with heritage varieties of top fruit. The smallholding is fully organic and Tuppenny Barn is a Soil Association Organic member. But growing food is only half the point. Nearly 2,000 young people come through the gates each year to learn where food comes from, how it grows and what happens when you take it into the kitchen. Every school visit includes a tour of the organic smallholding, with workshops covering food, horticulture, wildlife, sustainability and cooking. There are programmes for adults too, including therapeutic horticulture, alongside Sunflowers, Tuppenny Barn's weekly group for young carers. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary circular education building constructed with straw-bale walls and foundations incorporating recycled car tyres. After more than 20 years, Maggie stepped down as CEO in 2026. Andrew Gueterbock now leads the charity, while Maggie remains involved as founder and fundraiser. And you can buy what grows here. The on-site shop sells Tuppenny Barn's organic fruit and vegetables alongside cut flowers, plants, preserves and honey from its own hives, with other locally produced food available too. It's an unusual combination that feels like a magical mix: the same two-and-a-half acres grow food for the community and give thousands of young people somewhere to discover where that food actually comes from.

Awards and Recognition

Tuppenny Barn opens its organic smallholding through the National Garden Scheme, with group visits also available by arrangement. It is a registered charity, Tuppenny Barn Education Limited, charity number 1172846. Nearly 2,000 young people visit each year through its education programme.

Social Media

Instagram: @tuppennybarn Facebook: Tuppenny Barn

Can people visit or buy direct?

Yes. Tuppenny Barn has an on-site shop selling its own organic fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, plants, preserves and honey from its hives, alongside other locally produced food. The shop is open on Thursdays from 9am to 3pm. Check Tuppenny Barn's website for current Saturday opening times, events, workshops and opportunities to visit the smallholding.

Website

https://tuppennybarn.co.uk

Address Summary

Main Road, Southbourne, West Sussex, PO10 8EZ