Lauriston Farm
A Biodynamic Organic farm in Essex
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On the Blackwater Estuary, just outside Goldhanger, Essex, Lauriston Farm’s 210 acres are managed using biodynamic principles and are home to rare breed Shetland cattle and North Ronaldsay sheep, bee hives, laying hens, vegetables, woodland and precious sea meadows - 85% of the farm is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The farm produces Demeter certified beef, lamb, vegetables, fruits and meadow hay and organically certified knitting yarn, sheepskin rugs and throws.
Making the transition from a family-run farm to a community-run farm is a bold and dramatic move but with a dedicated team it was accomplished in May 2017. We assisted Lauriston in the setting up of a Charitable Community Benefit Society, developing a business plan and a community share offer which attracted 140 members and raised over £30,000, which was matched by a blended grant/loan package from Just Growth. By joining the society, members are supporting the farm’s core work of conservation friendly farming, natural beekeeping and on-farm education as well as providing the funding for its Social Farming Initiative. This is a brand new resource for adults with learning difficulties living in the local community, to enable them to work alongside farm staff and learn rural skills such as weaving, gardening, livestock husbandry, cooking fresh produce and connecting with the wider local community through sales of the farm’s products.
Lauriston Farm’s management team say: "the local interest and support has been amazing and we will continue our hard work in spreading the word so people can join this pioneering project for the Blackwater Estuary in Essex."
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