Fordhall Farm, Organic farm in Market Drayton, England
Fordhall Farm is an organic operation near Market Drayton spanning 128 acres with the remains of a medieval castle mound scattered across the landscape. Cattle, sheep, and pigs graze on pastures without chemical inputs, while a farm shop, butchery, and café serve visitors.
The site contains remains of a Norman castle mound dating to around 1100, evidence of settlement from many centuries past. Archaeological discoveries including original stonework uncovered in the 1970s reveal layers of history beneath the working landscape.
The farm has been a community project since 2006, when over 8,000 people pooled resources to purchase it together. This model demonstrates how a community can collectively create and maintain something tangible.
The farm welcomes visitors during regular hours across most days of the week, with access to the shop and café available. Walking around the grounds allows you to observe the animals and land management without strict schedules or guided tour requirements.
The operation practices managed grazing where animals maintain natural grasslands and enhance soil health through their movement and feeding patterns. Ownership through a community land model with rent payments to the wider initiative demonstrates an inventive approach to securing farmland.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
