Politely choosing to ignore any well-meaning advice to 'think twice' they waved goodbye to their old lives, to run a small-holding deep in the Suffolk countryside whilst raising a family.
Alder Carr in the 1960s
Alder Carr Farm was originally part of the larger Houghton Park Farm in Creeting St Mary. Originally a dairy farm, many of the original brick, flint & pantile buildings still remain, and are now home to our craft shops and cafe.
Home sweet home
They moved into a mobile home whilst converting one of the barns into the farmhouse, and immediately set about clearing the farm, with the help of the whole family!
The beginnings
The first crop was potatoes, which were sold by the sack from the end of the drive. They put in fruit for Pick-Your-Own, and set-up a ‘no-frills ’ farm shop in one of the old farm buildings. (Stephany started young!)
1985 –
Started selling ‘unusual veg’ such as celeriac, travelling down to the London wholesale markets in an old Coma van
1987 –
A bumper crop of raspberries in 1987 led Nick to ‘borrow’ his mother’s ice cream recipe and make a few batches to sell in the farm shop.
1993 –
Branched into catering, starting the original tearoom which is now housed within an 18th Century timber framed barn moved, from Bradfield St George in 1997.
1995 –
New farmshop built.
1996 –
The derelict dovecote, originally the buck of a windmill built in 1786, was moved and converted into a craft work shop.
1996 –
The ice cream business was growing & a dedicated ice cream kitchen was built
1998 –
Started the first farmers market in the region.
2003 –
Farmshop was extended (again).
2004 –
Daughters Stephany & Eleanor returned to the family business to take over the running of the ice cream business, look after the livestock & school visits.
2005 –
Eleanors husband Barry joins the family business, running the tea room and introducing a herd of Highland cattle.
Alder Carr Farm Today
Today Alder Carr Farm is barely recognisable from the original collection of tumble down buildings and over grown land that it originally was.
The fields are grazed by sheep, and Aberdeen Angus cattle, with gooseberries, rhubarb and damsons grown for the ice cream.
The Alder Carr has been tamed to provide a delightful nature trail walk for visitors. The old buildings now house a collection of craft workshops, including the original Pottery, a gift shop, sugarcraft studio and vintage and reclaimed homeware. The ice cream business has flourished and is now sold nationwide.
Nick & Joan are still involved with the farm – especially in a crisis! - but the day to day running of the business has passed on to Stephany, the eldest daughter, and her partner Toby.
Our Values
Alder Carr Farm was founded on the belief that everything we do should be done in as ethical and sustainable way as possible. This belief underpins every decision that we make, and we are continually trying to improve.
Farming
We manage the farm in a manner sympathetic to the environment, minimising inputs and leaving many areas untouched for wildlife.
A large portion of the farm consists of the Alder Carr, a type of wet woodland, where over 70 species of bird and 250 species of plants have been recorded.
Products
We source all our products as locally as possible, reducing food miles, and offer our customers a range of organic and ethical products, including eco-cleaning products.
We avoid products containing palm oil wherever possible.
We offer refills of eco-cleaning products, oils and bird seed
Waste
We minimise our waste as far as possible, re-using crates, boxes and paper. What can’t be re-used we recycle, and have public glass and clothing recycling facilities on site.
We compost all our organic waste, and have recently started selling ‘ugly fruit & veg’ at a discounted rate allowing customers to buy cheaper fruit & veg and reducing food waste.
Packaging
We sell fresh produce loose, reducing packaging, and food waste as customers can buy exactly the amount they we would like.
We offer our customers paper bags & re-used cardboard boxes and compostable carrier bags
Energy
We generate our own electricity, heating and hot water from solar panels and a biomass boiler All our electricity comes from renewable sources from Ecotricity.
But there is always more that we can do, so if you have any ideas or suggestions please do get in touch.
