Close your eyes and picture yourself walking through green fields under a bright English sky, the scent of ripe strawberries in the air. Sounds like a peaceful countryside vacation? Well, it’s also a job — a real one — and it comes with visa sponsorship, steady pay, and the chance to work legally in the UK.
If you’re looking for seasonal farm work abroad in 2025 that’s simple, outdoorsy, and doesn’t require a degree, then strawberry picking and packing jobs in England might be your ticket in.
Let’s break it down — the work, the benefits, who’s eligible, and how to get started.
Contents
- 1 Why England is Hiring Strawberry Pickers in 2025
- 2 What’s the Job Like?
- 3 Who Can Apply?
- 4 Visa Sponsorship: How It Works (UK Seasonal Worker Visa)
- 5 Salary and Perks
- 6 Where Are the Jobs?
- 7 How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step
- 8 Be Careful of Fake Offers
- 9 Why This Job Could Be Your First Step Into the UK
- 10 Final Thoughts
Why England is Hiring Strawberry Pickers in 2025
The UK’s fruit farming industry is booming — especially during the late spring and summer months when strawberries are in full season. But every year, there’s one big challenge: not enough local workers to handle the harvest.
So farms across England are now turning to foreign workers and offering visa sponsorship to fill these short-term, hands-on roles. Whether you’re from Asia, Africa, or Eastern Europe, many UK farms welcome seasonal workers who are willing to work hard and follow the rules.
And with the UK’s Seasonal Worker visa route, it’s now easier than ever to apply legally for a job like this — even without past experience.
What’s the Job Like?
Let’s be honest — it’s not always easy. You’ll be bending, walking, lifting, and working outside. But it’s also peaceful, honest work that lets you breathe fresh air and earn good money.
Daily tasks may include:
- Picking ripe strawberries by hand
- Sorting damaged or unripe fruit
- Packing berries into trays or containers
- Labelling and stacking boxes
- Following hygiene and safety procedures
- Working in teams under a supervisor
Farms often set daily or weekly targets — not to rush you, but to keep things moving during the short harvest window.
Who Can Apply?
Strawberry picking and packing jobs are entry-level — perfect for:
- People aged 18+
- Candidates in good physical health
- Individuals without a degree or formal experience
- Foreigners willing to live on-site and follow farm routines
- Those who can communicate in basic English
If you’re motivated, respectful, and ready to work under the sun (and maybe some light rain), you’re already a great fit.
Visa Sponsorship: How It Works (UK Seasonal Worker Visa)
For 2025, the UK is continuing its Seasonal Worker visa scheme, which allows foreign workers to come to the UK for up to 6 months to do farm work — including picking and packing fruit.
Key Details:
- Valid for up to 6 months
- Sponsored by a licensed UK farm or recruitment agency
- Requires a certificate of sponsorship from your employer
- Must apply from outside the UK
- You’ll need to pay a visa fee and show proof of savings (unless the farm covers it)
- No IELTS required (basic English skills are enough)
Once your visa is approved, you’re legally allowed to work on the sponsoring farm for the entire season.
Salary and Perks
Average Pay:
- Hourly wage: £10.50 – £12.00
- Weekly: £400 – £500+ depending on hours and productivity
- Some farms offer bonus pay for high pickers or working extra hours
Common Benefits:
- ✅ Visa sponsorship
- ✅ On-site accommodation (shared housing or caravans)
- ✅ Subsidised or free meals
- ✅ Laundry facilities and basic utilities
- ✅ Airport pickup or directions
- ✅ Legal employment + payslips
You won’t be living in luxury, but you’ll earn and save while working in the UK countryside.
Where Are the Jobs?
Strawberry farms are spread across many regions, including:
- Kent (the “Garden of England”)
- Herefordshire
- Norfolk
- Lincolnshire
- Somerset
- Cambridgeshire
Farms are often located outside the cities — in peaceful, quiet areas. Many provide transport options from the nearest town or train station.
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step
1. Get Your Documents Ready
You’ll need:
- A valid passport
- A simple resume/CV (can include informal work)
- Willingness to relocate and work physically
- Basic English skills
2. Search for Licensed UK Farm Employers
Look for UK government-approved sponsors or apply through trusted agricultural recruiters.
Use these keywords:
“UK seasonal fruit picking jobs with visa sponsorship 2025”
“Strawberry farm jobs England foreigners apply online”
“Pick and pack jobs UK seasonal worker visa”
3. Apply and Attend Interview (Online or In-person)
Once shortlisted, you may have a short phone or video interview. Be honest, polite, and show you’re ready to work hard.
4. Visa Sponsorship & Application
If selected:
- The employer sends a certificate of sponsorship
- You apply for the Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work – HORTICULTURE)
- Visa processing usually takes 3–4 weeks
Be Careful of Fake Offers
Real jobs:
- Don’t ask for huge upfront fees
- Always provide official sponsorship letters
- Are listed on UK government websites or trusted job boards
Never send personal documents or money to unknown agents. Stay smart.
Why This Job Could Be Your First Step Into the UK
Strawberry picking might sound small — but it’s a real legal job, an entry into the UK job market, and a way to:
- Travel abroad
- Gain work experience
- Earn in GBP
- Explore life in England
- Build your confidence
- Possibly return for another season or apply for other UK roles later
It’s a seasonal job, but it can lead to long-term plans — especially for those who show commitment and reliability.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry picking and packing jobs in England with visa sponsorship offer more than just seasonal income — they offer a chance to live, work, and grow in one of the world’s most stable countries.
The work is physical, but the reward is real: honest pay, international experience, and a pathway to something bigger.
So if you’re ready to work under the sun, live simply, and make the most of 2025 — your next job could be waiting in an English field full of strawberries.