Ground Up Cookery School
Grealy Barn, Chudleigh, TQ13 0AA
Member Overview
What is Ground Up Cookery School?
Ground Up Cookery School is an award-winning, purpose-built cookery school located in the countryside near Chudleigh and Newton Abbot, Devon. Founded by Colin and Tasha Wheeler-James, the school is dedicated to teaching practical cookery skills while championing sustainable, local and foraged ingredients.
From enthusiastic home cooks to professional chefs and hospitality teams, Ground Up offers hands-on learning experiences designed to build confidence, creativity and a deeper connection to food and the environment.
Since opening its purpose-built cookery school, Ground Up has welcomed hundreds of guests from across Devon and beyond, earning a reputation as one of the region's leading destinations for sustainable cookery education, foraging and fermentation.
Since opening its purpose-built cookery school, Ground Up has welcomed hundreds of guests from across Devon and beyond, earning a reputation as one of the region's leading destinations for sustainable cookery education, foraging and fermentation.
What does Ground Up Cookery School offer?
Ground Up offers a diverse programme of practical cookery courses, workshops and experiences centred around seasonal cooking and sustainable food practices.
The school is particularly renowned for its foraging and fermentation courses, where participants learn to identify, harvest and cook with wild ingredients. Alongside these specialist courses, visitors can enjoy classes covering pasta making, baking, fish and shellfish preparation, Asian street food, artisan chocolate making, world cuisines, preservation techniques and much more.
Ground Up also delivers corporate team-building events, hospitality training, sustainability consultancy, private dining experiences and bespoke cookery workshops.
Our Specialities
- Wild food foraging courses
- Seashore foraging experiences
- Fermentation and preservation workshops
- Zero-waste cooking techniques
- Sustainable cookery education
- World Cuisine Workshop
- Asian street food courses
- Artisan chocolate making
- Fish and shellfish cookery
- Professional chef skills training
- Corporate and team-building events
- Seasonal fine dining experiences and bespoke culinary experiences
Why choose Ground Up Cookery School?
Ground Up Cookery School is one of the South West's most distinctive food education destinations. With Colin Wheeler-James heading the culinary team and bringing more than 30 years' experience as a professional chef to every course, the business combines expert cookery tuition with a strong commitment to sustainability, seasonal ingredients, foraging, fermentation and reducing food waste.
Ground Up's "from the land, from scratch" philosophy encourages people to reconnect with seasonal ingredients, wild food and traditional cooking skills while developing practical techniques they can use every day. Courses focus on local sourcing, seasonal ingredients, foraging, fermentation, food preservation and reducing waste, helping participants develop skills that are both practical and environmentally responsible.
The school's innovative approach has earned multiple Food Drink Devon awards, including Best Cookery School in Devon 2025/26 and recognition for sustainability, training excellence and educational innovation. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, Ground Up offers a welcoming, hands-on learning environment designed to inspire confidence and creativity.
Where can you find Ground Up Cookery School?
Ground Up Cookery School is located in the beautiful Devon countryside near Chudleigh and Newton Abbot, providing the perfect setting for immersive cookery, foraging and food education experiences.
Visitors can attend scheduled courses throughout the year, book private experiences, arrange corporate training days, or hire the venue for bespoke culinary events.
For course bookings, event enquiries and private experiences, visit the Ground Up Cookery School website or contact the team directly.
Foraging | Fermentation | Sustainable Cookery | Cookery Skills | Chef Training | Wild Food | Zero Waste Cooking | Cookery Demonstrations | Seasonal Ingredients | Devon Food Education
Contact Ground Up Cookery School
Contact Info
Where to find us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ground Up Cookery School known for?
Ground Up is best known for its wild food foraging, seashore foraging and fermentation courses, helping people discover sustainable ways to source, prepare and preserve food.
Do I need cooking experience to attend a course?
No. Ground Up welcomes all ability levels, from complete beginners to experienced home cooks and professional chefs. Courses are designed to be accessible, practical and confidence-building.
What is included in a foraging course?
Participants learn how to identify edible plants, seaweeds and wild ingredients safely and responsibly. Most courses also include a hands-on cooking session using the ingredients collected during the experience and you sit down to enjoy your creations as a group at the end.
Does Ground Up teach fermentation and food preservation?
Yes. Ground Up offers specialist courses in fermentation, pickling, curing, smoking and other traditional preservation techniques that help reduce waste and maximise seasonal produce.
Are Ground Up's courses hands-on?
Absolutely. The school specialises in practical learning, giving participants the opportunity to prepare, cook and taste dishes throughout the day.
What cookery courses are available?
Popular courses include Wild Food Foraging & Cookery, Seashore Foraging, Advanced Preservation, Pasta Masterclasses, Asian Street Food, Artisan Chocolate Making, Fish & Shellfish Cookery and many seasonal workshops.
Does Ground Up offer corporate team-building events?
Yes. Ground Up delivers bespoke corporate events, hospitality training, team-building experiences and sustainability-focused workshops for businesses and organisations.
Can Ground Up help hospitality businesses become more sustainable?
Yes. The team offers consultancy and professional training to help food businesses reduce waste, improve sustainability and develop responsible food practices.
Can I book a private cookery course?
Yes. Ground Up offers private cookery lessons, group experiences, private dining events and bespoke workshops tailored to individual interests and requirements.
Does Ground Up focus on sustainable food?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. Courses champion local sourcing, seasonal produce, foraging, fermentation, food preservation and zero-waste cooking principles.
Is Ground Up suitable for food enthusiasts visiting Devon?
Definitely. Ground Up offers a unique opportunity to explore Devon's natural food landscape while learning practical skills from experienced chefs in a relaxed countryside setting.
What makes Ground Up Cookery School different?
Ground Up combines expert chef-led tuition, sustainable food education, hands-on learning and unforgettable foraging experiences, creating a unique and inspiring approach to cookery education in Devon.
Are there cookery courses for children and families?
Yes. Ground Up Cookery School regularly runs family-friendly and children's cooking experiences throughout the year, helping young cooks develop confidence in the kitchen while learning about fresh, seasonal ingredients. Family workshops provide a fun, hands-on environment where children and adults can cook together, learn new skills, and gain a greater appreciation for where food comes from. Course availability varies seasonally, so it's worth checking the latest programme for upcoming family and children's events.
Can I book a birthday party at Ground Up Cookery School?
Yes. Ground Up Cookery School can host bespoke private events, including birthday celebrations, with unique food-focused experiences tailored to your group. Whether you're looking for a hands-on cookery class, a fun family cooking session, a foraging adventure, or a private dining experience, the team can help create a memorable and personalised celebration. Their purpose-built cookery school and beautiful rural setting provide a fantastic venue for food lovers of all ages. Private event options can be tailored to suit adults, families, and special occasions.