Farm Trail Leaflet and Map

What’s special about Mill Farm?
Organic Farms Network
Organic cows
The farm has a herd of pedigree South Devon cows. Despite
being Britain’s largest native breed, they are renowned for
its docile temperament, making the cattle less prone to stress
and helping to ensure the meat is ‘meltingly’ tender. Calves
are reared in a family group until they are weaned and are
fed almost exclusively on grass and clover. This gives the meat
a special flavour that is wholly lacking from animals reared
intensively on cereals. Research also shows that grass-reared
beef includes high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which help
reduce the risk of heart disease.
Organic Farms Network
Farms for the 21st century
Organic farmers all over the country want to show people
what is happening on their farms. The Soil Association is
working with them to create a network of organic farms
across the UK all with something special to show you. Why
not visit a network farm, walk farm trails and enjoy the
countryside and its wildlife?
Organic sheep
The farm has two separate flocks of sheep: the locally native
Wiltshire Horn and the hardy Black Welsh Mountain sheep. The
Wiltshire Horn is distinctive in the fact that it naturally sheds its
fleece so the sheep do not have to be sheared in the summer.
Both flocks produce lamb which is available seasonally from
November to April. The Black Welsh Mountain is especially
favoured for its sweet, delicate flavour and tender meat.
Soil Association
The Soil Association’s organic mark is a guarantee to the
consumer that food is produced to the highest standards
of animal welfare and environmental protection. The Soil
Association believes that organic farming is the only way
that high quality food production can go hand in hand with
caring for the countryside and its wildlife.
Wildlife
Wildlife conservation is important and the farm has a wealth
of bird and plant life. The farm is part of the Countryside
Stewardship Scheme which aims to restore and maintain
hedgerows, field margins and the water meadows alongside
the River Wey. Ragged Robin, meadowsweet and large white
willow trees can be found growing here, and if you’re lucky
you may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, heron or snipe. The
surrounding ancient woodland include oak and chestnut with
new copses being planted elsewhere.
Farm shop and direct sales
Produce is sold direct from the farm shop, open on Wednesday
to Saturday 9am-5pm. The shop stocks local and organic foods,
dairy produce, bread, fresh veg and now its own pork. Mill
Farm meat is also available at Hampshire Farmers’ Markets,
food festivals in local towns including Alton, Winchester,
Farnham and Petersfield. The farm is also proud to supply
several local pubs, including The Hen+Chicken in Froyle,
The Thomas Lord in West Meon and London restaurants,
including the highly acclaimed St John’s Restaurant in Smithfield.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Mill Farm, Isington
Nr Alton, Hampshire
GU34 4PN
01420 22331
www.millfarmorganic.com
To find out more about the organic farms network and the
organic farms near you, please contact the Soil Association
at the address below.
Nr. Alton, Hampshire
Kindly supported by
Hampshire County Council
Hampshire County Council’s,
Countryside Service and Hampshire
Fare are working with partners
to develop a range of Food and
Farming Walks in this area of
Hampshire. Keep your eyes open for
more information or visit:
www.hants.gov.uk/countryside/access
Soil Association
Bristol House, 40-56 VictoriaStreet,
Bristol BS1 6BY
T
0117 929 0661
F
0117 925 2504
E
[email protected]
W
www.soilassociation.org
Mill Farm
Hampshire Fare, the county food
group, supports and promotes
producers of food, drink and craft
in the county. If you would like
a free Guide to Local Producers
please telephone 01962 845999.
For more information on our many
food & drink activities please visit
www.hampshirefare.co.uk
Visit an organic farm and
see for yourself how
organic farming
works to ensure safe,
healthy food and a better
quality of life for everyone
What is organic farming?
Organic farming is a way of producing safe food
from healthy plants and animals, in a healthy, natural
environment.
Organic farmers work with nature to grow crops and
rear animals in countryside which is cared for.
Mill Farm
Mill Farm is set in idyllic Hampshire countryside
on the banks of the River Wey. The animals graze
clover-rich pastures and traditional water meadows,
surrounded by ancient woodland and hedgerows.
Produce from this beautiful landscape is available
in the farm shop located in the heart of the village.
Visit the farm to find out how quality food is
produced in harmony with the environment….
Organic
Organic farmers work with the future in mind,
making sure that our land, air, water and wildlife are
really looked after, not just for today, but for ever.
Organic farmers work by…
Building up a healthy fertile soil
Food crops take goodness from the soil, so after
harvesting the fields are rested. Clover is then grown
on this land, to help restore the health of the soil.
Recycling natural wastes
Natural fertilisers like compost and farm manure
enrich the soil and encourage plant growth.
Creating wildlife habitats
Trees and hedges are planted to provide homes for
birds, bats and beetles. These creatures then feed on
insect pests which damage crops.
Protecting the environment
Because chemical fertilisers and pesticides are not
used, there are no poisons to pollute water, soil and
food chains.
Providing high standards of animal welfare
Farm animals have access to fields and fresh air and
are fed a healthy, natural diet with no routine drugs
or feed additives.
VISITS AND OPEN DAYS
The benefits
• Safe, nutritious food enjoyed by a healthy
population
You are welcome to visit the farm and we are happy to chat
about the farm and our meat with customers. You can walk
the farm trail whenever you wish (copies available from the
farm shop) and special open days are also held.
• Countryside with a wonderful variety of wildlife
species
HOW TO GET THERE
• A legacy for the future ensuring a better quality of
life for all
The farm is situated ..........
www.millfarmorganic.com