organic farming in cumbria...

With over 70 organic producers, Cumbria boasts a thriving organic farming scene and seasonal Cumbrian organic produce is widely available around the county. Organic farmers work by building up a healthy, fertile soil, recycling natural wastes, creating wildlife habitats, protecting the environment and providing high standards of animal welfare. Many of the farms have their own farm shops, and have created farm trails aimed at educating you and me about what goes on "down at the organic farm". This makes visiting Cumbria's organic farms a great experience for either the family or the foodie.

One such farm is Low Sizergh, near Kendal, a 250 acre dairy farm with 120 cows who have a calf every year. Much of the farming day is taken up with milking and looking after the animals. In winter the cows live in large buildings and are fed with crops that are grown during the warm weather. As well as the cows there are 250 laying hens and 20 sheep. The farm's hedges provide barriers for cows and sheep, but also shelter, passageways and food for animals and birds. There is a huge variety of plant, animal and bird life at Low Sizergh, ever changing with the seasons, and co-existing with the livestock. At Low Sizergh you can watch the milking from the viewing parlour located in the tea room, or wander around the 2 mile trail and learn more about how organic principles are put into practice around this beautiful farm. In the farm shop there is a great selection of local and organic produce for sale as well.

If you want to find out more about organic farming in Cumbria, or where to get organic Cumbrian food, download the Cumbria Organics leaflet with maps and more details.

Content and photography supplied by www.Artisan-Food.com, funded by Distinctly Cumbrian.