Today I felt incredibly privileged to be given a private farm tour around Daylesford Organic Farm. Being a local and a lover of this magnificent and albeit beautiful cotswold hotspot, I had no idea how much work and care went into every aspect of this beloved farm.
The day started with a meet and greet with head farmer Richard Smith. Who evidently takes a lot of pride in his work and organic farming methods. For the next couple of hours he took me on a trailer towed by a tractor around the whole farm, including the hidden bits you usually do not see when visiting the shop. It was incredibly interesting to learn about the different breeds of cows they nurture there; Aberdeen, dairy and Gloucester cows, some being very rare. They were magnificent animals in stature and in beauty. Not to mention the gorgeous, picturesque land they are settled on. With acres upon acres of vast, luscious green grass, with old preserved trees. Even the land itself is taken care of appropriately.
Richard is also a very impressive sheep dog handler and I got to watch his newest student: Boe the dog rounding up the sheep.
After a glorious tour with Richard in the warm sunshine, it was lunch time. The lunch certainly got the taste buds tingling. With a succulent healthy salad, packed with nuts and their locally sourced organic produce, alongside a mouth watering quiche. It certainly did not disappoint and as I have said on the blog before, the restaurants are a must!
After filling my stomach full of goodness, I was shown around the creamery and the patisserie. Being a lover of all things dairy and cakes, it was great to see how it was all produced. Not to mention, Steven the head patisserie chef had won a gold award for his work and will be appearing on the BBC show, bake off Creme de la Creme. So make sure not to miss it, it will be airing next year.
Tim the companies environmental consultant, who kindly took an hour out of his time to explain exactly why it is so important to enjoy organic produce and to preserve the environment. Going into well respected decisions to hold back on as much waste as possible, with some of the waste food being used for compost, low energy lighting and that every animal is treated with love and respect. Valid points were made and although it is viewed that organic food is expensive the benefits are highly endowed. Of course the outcome at the end of the day, it is good for our health and it is also great to lean about where our food comes from.
Last but not least, the lovely, vibrant and enthusiastic Sascha took me for an enjoyable walk around the market garden. The market garden is situated in the acres of land Daylesford own, and occupies currently 20 acres of it. It is open to the public, so I urge you to take a look and see where your food shopping comes from. I was unware how much they actually grew there and it was great fun being allowed to pick some blackberries, courgettes and tomatoes. I think it is fantastic how passionate every staff member is with their role, within the business.
I had an absolutely great day and an experience I will treasure. Please go and visit, ask any questions because the staff are so friendly and will always help. There are also maps available at the shop, for your own exploring. Start your organic experience today, in the heart of the thriving, picturesque Cotswolds!
Thanks Daylesford, love
Chlobo's Closet
Xxx
