It may not be common knowledge, but Surrey is home to a wealth of farms providing locals with much more than food. Alison Taylor digs deep...
For what is Surrey famous? Tap in the question, and Google, as ever, is poised with a breezy response. It is the most wooded county in England; one of its churches appeared in Four Weddings and a Funeral; it is home to the thrills of Thorpe Park.
One thing that the search engine fails to mention, however, is farming.
“Surrey doesn’t do farming,” says Emma Cole, communication lead at Surrey Hills National Landscape, an area which covers 163 square miles, producing far more than food and timber.
“At least, you could be excused for reaching that conclusion, going by most books about farming in Britain.”
And yet it is farming that has shaped the landscape of this beautiful area: at the last count, there were 300 land holdings across the county.
“Farming here is about sustaining a way of life, preserving cherished habitats and supporting communities that are under increasing pressure,” Emma explains.
“For centuries, it has shaped the rolling chalk downlands, ancient woodlands and lush pastures that make the Surrey Hills so distinctive.
Yet despite their central role, many farms in the county face significant challenges – from market uncertainty and the threat of disease to rising costs and the pressures of modern agricultural policy.”
Supporting farmers is crucial, says Emma, and programmes across the Surrey Hills are helping them to diversify in ways that will safeguard both livelihoods and landscapes.
SGP
The Surrey Hills Care Farm Project is one powerful example
Young people visit local farms to help herd cows, build pens, collect eggs and tag cattle, gaining hands-on experience while nurturing their mental well-being. For many, being outside, engaging with animals and learning practical skills is a lifeline.
“One 17-year-old described taking part as ‘heaven on earth’,” enthuses Emma, “while others speak of the calm and space that these farms provide.
“The scheme boosts confidence, reduces anxiety and has even inspired some young people to explore related careers. One is now enrolled on a college course in agriculture, which shows how these experiences can spark long-term interest and ambition.”
At the same time, the programme enables farmers to diversify their sources of income, and many hosts have noted the positive impact it has had on their own mental health.
Moreover, supporting farmers goes hand in hand with supporting the land itself. Witness another scheme launched by the Surrey Hills National Landscape: Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes, which aims to connect livestock farmers with experienced mentors to encourage high nature value methods of farming.
SGP
“This collaboration fosters regenerative practices, from improved grazing and hedgerow management to flood prevention and carbon capture, strengthening the resilience of both farms and the wider landscape,” says Emma.
“Farmers share knowledge, attend training sessions and participate in peer-led learning, creating networks that will sustain innovation and collaboration long after the project ends.”
Schemes like these also provide tangible benefits to farmers under pressure. At Norbury Park Farm, between Leatherhead and Dorking, new hedgerows and fencing along grazing fields were funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) – a grant scheme for land managers in National Parks and Landscapes – to help manage visitors, protect livestock from neospora (a parasite spread by dog faeces) and encourage wildlife, while volunteer programmes provide essential support for practical tasks such as hedge planting.
“With basic payment subsidies disappearing, schemes such as this are a lifeline for farmers like us who are facing some of the toughest financial pressures we have ever seen,” explains Mark Frost, tenant farmer at Norbury Park.
“Small farms are key to the character, ecology and culture of the Surrey Hills,” concludes Emma.
“Whether through Care Farms, regenerative grazing, volunteer programmes or mentoring schemes, helping farmers to adapt and thrive sustains a living landscape for people, wildlife and communities.”
Pierrepont
Adding access
Pierrepont Farm in Frensham, near Farnham, is a 200-acre heathland farm near the River Wey. As well as being a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, the Countryside Regeneration Trust managed dairy farm – the Old Dairy – hosts a courtyard of restored Grade II listed buildings used by local artisans for making and selling everything from furniture to fudge.
Thanks to a £70,000 grant from the DEFRA [Dept for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] Access for All fund, the farm has now completed a series of works designed to upgrade access for visitors with varying abilities.
Developed in collaboration with key partners, including the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), improvements include converting the historic carriage track into an accessible pathway and creating a picnic area for visitors to enjoy the historic parkland and grazing livestock.
The track now features an interpretive sign with information on Pierrepont Farm, the surrounding area, and nature-friendly management.
Brightleigh Farm
Best of British beef
When it comes to British beef, very few farms measure up to Brightleigh, close to Outwood, near Redhill.
The 150-acre farm, run by husband-and-wife team Nigel and Penny Franklin, produces beef from Angus and Hereford cattle that are 100% pasture fed, as certified by the Pasture for Life food and farming standard.
“This means our cows are fed nothing but pasture – we do not add any grains or mixes,” says Nigel. “We run an extremely sustainable business, working hard to minimise our food miles and keep our carbon footprint low.”
Brightleigh farm
Alongside its fine cuts of beef, the farm offers mince, pork and chicken. It’s also a great supporter of local businesses and is proud to be part of the great artisan Surrey food scene.
“We want everyone to support small and support local,” explains Nigel. “Our produce goes to two Outwood pubs – The Bell and The Castle Inn – and we also sell at two of Surrey’s farmers markets, Ripley and Farnham.”
Customers can also buy directly from Brightleigh via its pop-up shop. For further details, visit: brightleighfarm.co.uk.
For more of the best farms you can visit in Surrey, click here.
