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Welcome to Gleanings, the Rural Study Centre and Venue situated on our 14 acre smallholding, set in the glorious South Shropshire Hills.

The Centre encompasses everything we love about Shropshire - big hills with big views and steeped in magic, folklore and the rural way of life. Gleanings has been designed to allow natural light to fill the building through the full height windows along the southerly side and on those chilly days the comforting log burner will warm you through.

Read our Blog - Life at Gleanings 

Courses at Gleanings are run in small, intimate groups, thus providing a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in which to soak up knowledge as well as giving everyone the opportunity to make new friends. They are based on country traditions and the natural world, including folk music, songwriting, birdwatching, wild flower studies, art, smallholding and farming, as well as country crafts and skills. Students attending our courses have commented that one of the highlights of their time here has been the 2-course lunches - not only are they made from either our own or locally grown produce but they are more substantial than they imagined thereby saving them the cost of an evening meal. . . see sample menu on ‘Courses’ page

Partners would be welcome to stay on the smallholding at Gleanings and perhaps try their hand at willow basketmaking or art, or maybe become a smallholder for the day. There is also the chance to just ramble the surrounding countryside or take the opportunity to just relax with a good book. They would also be welcome to join in the lunches for a small fee. 

Gleanings the Venue
If you are looking for a unique venue for your meetings, training or even to run your own course then Gleanings is available for hire. Should you require refreshments we can provide home-cooked lunches, sandwiches or snacks. Please feel free to enquire about fees and catering without obligation.

lunch in the Stables Dining Room with Sue Linton's Watercolour Course

Gleanings looks out directly onto our haymeadows with an amazing number of wildflowers, which, in Mid-Summer, becomes a sea of buttercups. Walk down the dingle to the stream to see the wild orchids, bluebells and cowslips and hear buzzards, red kites and curlews soaring overhead.

Visitors would be free to roam not only our land but adjoining footpaths taking them over the hills to the famous ring of stones at Mitchell’s Fold and the Callow Hill steeped in Shropshire Folklore. A walk to the Stiperstones could be in order for the more energetic.

If you decide to travel to Gleanings by public transport we will be happy to arrange collection from Shrewsbury Station (some 15 miles away), although if you prefer to be independent there is a bus service which will bring you to the bottom of our lane). It would also be easy to arrange transport to your accommodation if you could let us know in advance. There are many local B&Bs, Self-catering cottages and caravan/camping sites within easy reach of Gleanings. We can also offer space to anyone wishing to bring a tent, caravan or camper van - please let us know when you book. We have a small holiday cottage and touring caravan which are sometimes available to rent during course time. Take a look at our 'Area' page for links to Accommodation providers and bus timetable links.

First meeting at Gleanings - Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty