Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, visited Tablehurst farm in Forest Row to meet its directors and celebrate the farm’s recent BBC Food and Farming Best Producer of the Year award.
Tablehurst became a community farm in 1996 and has been growing and developing ever since. It is a not-for-profit social enterprise aiming to create a holistic model of biodynamic farming that benefits the land, soil, plants, animals and community. The farm is a community hub where people can come together to learn about food, biodynamic farming and the natural environment.
As well as the organic fruits, vegetables and grains grown on the farm, a variety of livestock is raised at Tablehurst. The produce from the farm, as well as other locally sourced food, is sold in the shop and onsite café. Alongside this, Tablehurst also operates a care home for adults with learning disabilities, provides training for apprentices and offers a busy schedule of events such as cooking classes.
For more information, please visit www.tablehurstfarm.org.uk.
The BBC Food & Farming Awards were launched in 2000 to mark the 20th anniversary of Radio 4’s The Food Programme, with the aim to honour those who have done most to promote the cause of good food. By being crowned Best Producer of the Year, Tablehurst farm were recognised for their innovative approach to creating a whole system of farming to grow and raise food for sale directly to the communities on their doorstep.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Tablehurst farm is an outstanding asset to Forest Row and a much-valued community hub readily available within walking distance of the high street. Not only is the farm providing fresh produce of the highest quality, but it is also contributing a great deal to the community through education and job opportunities. I am incredibly proud that Tablehurst farm has put Wealden on the map by being recognised by the BBC Food and Farming Best Producer of the Year award and praised for their methods of biodynamic farming, soil management and preservation.”
