Local Food
Just a few nourishing sources around Stourbridge
Ruskin Vale Organics
Ruskin Vale Organics began life as a response to the demand for locally produced organic vegetables. Their box scheme can be traced back 20 years to an initiative created by a group of committed supporters in the Stourbridge area, whose aim was to supply the local community with fresh and affordable organic produce, by co-ordinating a network of local growers.
Contact: 01384 877413; shop on site at The Glasshouse, Wollaston Road, Amblecote, Stourbridge; ruskin.vale@ghc.rmet.org.uk
Vale Head Farm
The Farm is owned by the Ruskin Mill Educational Trust, which is dedicated to helping and educating youngsters with social and learning difficulties. Students are fully involved in the growing, packing and distribution process from the “seed to the table” as part of their educational curriculum at the Farm. The land at Vale Head Farm is now fully certified Bio Dynamic / Organic. You can buy produce through Ruskin Vale Organics (above).
Ashfield Gardens
Part of Camphill Communities and situated on Stourbridge’s outskirts, Ashfield Gardens welcome volunteers who are supported in working on the land or offering their time and skills in other necessary tasks. Being part of the garden community bestows health and well-being benefits – and maybe something to take home and put in the pot for supper.
Contact: Mark Hobson, 01562 701104
Model Farm
A co-operative family of Farmers, Butchers, and Home Delivery People. Model Farm delivers Organic and Additive-Free Meat and Vegetables direct to customers homes.
Contact: 01989 567663; www.modelfarm.org/information.asp
Badgers Bank Farm
Badgers Bank Farm has been organic for over 20 years and is currently in conversion to biodynamic production. It is a family run farm with three generations currently working on the farm. Over 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown throughout the year.
Contact: 07739 024233; Stourbridge Road, Fairfield, Bromsgrove, B61 9LN; james@badgersbankfarm.com
Fordhall Farm
Fordhall Farm, in Market Drayton, Shropshire has been organic for over 65 years and rears its own outdoor beef, lamb and pork. Owned by the community, through the Fordhall Community Land Initiative, the Farm is managed by tenant farmers, brother and sister, Charlotte and Ben Hollins.
Contact: 01630 638696 or 638656; Fordhall Farm, Tern Hill Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3PS; Info@fordhallfarm.com
Farmers’ Markets
- Stourbridge Town Centre, on the third Saturday of every month, 9am – 3pm
- Dudley Town Centre, on the 4th Friday of every month, 9am–3pm
- Halesowen, The Square, Cornbow Centre, on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month, 9am–3pm
- Kidderminster, High Street/Swan Centre, on the 2nd Friday of every month, 9am–4pm
Allotments
Allotments bring many benefits, including eating fresh organic grown vegetables, and good health through exercise and fresh air. Dudley Council own a total of 38 allotments sites for growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. Plots are rented out at £6.80 per 50m2 per year. Some sites are in particular demand and a waiting list may exist; if this is the case you will be added to the list and contacted when a plot becomes available. The list may go faster than you think.
Contact: 01384 815675; Directorate of the Urban Environment, Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, DY2 8UZ; http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/allotments
Landshare
Linking up growers, helpers and land(garden)-owners, this website lets you post a listing, tell others where you are and what you are offering or looking for, and receive responses.
Contact: www.landshare.channel4.com
Biodynamic Growing
Fundamental to biodynamic gardening is the recognition that all life is interconnected. Each plant, each insect, the rocks below, the moving clouds and the stars above, all form part of the living organism of our planet. Every piece of land, including the smallest garden can be considered a microcosm of this greater whole. The biodynamic gardener works as an artist within this context.
Stourbridge Biodynamic Group meets on the first Saturday afternoon of every month.
New members are welcome to our meetings where we make biodynamic preparations, order seeds, study and have conversation, tea and cake. We look forward to seeing you!
Contact: Vicky Randon: 01384 873080; vickyrandon@btinternet.com or Jacqui Rogers: 01384 221648; jacqui@therogers.me.uk
Soil Association
The Soil Association is a membership charity campaigning for planet-friendly organic food and farming, believing in the connection between soil, food, the health of people and the health of the planet.
Contact: 0117 314 5000; South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS1 3NX; www.soilassociation.org
