Down to Earth
Photography by Emily Hudson
Sarah Gane in conversation with Lee and Bethy Doran, founders of Gullivers Farm Shop and Kitchen, a biodynamic working farm and charitable organisation in Ferndown providing opportunities to adults with varying support needs.
There’s no place quite like Gullivers. Nestled in the countryside on the edges of Bournemouth and Poole, just past Ferndown, in the village of West Moors, Gullivers Farm, Shop and Kitchen is a place where people, animals and the soil matters.
What does it mean to farm using biodynamic methods?
Biodynamic farming starts with the soil. It’s a method of farming creating healthy soil by using compost and crop grazing rotations. So we only use organic, locally sourced materials to fertilise and condition the soil, creating a natural and diverse ecosystem.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything you do. Could you talk a little about this in relation to your produce?
We work with nature to grow high-quality, seasonal produce throughout the year. Our organic vegetables are grown in soil and polytunnels without chemicals. Anything we harvest is taken straight to the Farm Shop to sell to our community.
Why do you feel it’s important to shop locally?
Shopping locally is better for the local community, economy and for the planet. It reduces food miles, carbon emissions and improves air quality.
It’s also why we love to partner with local independent businesses whenever we can. Whether that’s Mozzo Coffee in our cafe, Bakehouse 24’s legendary sourdough bread, Conker gin, Meggy Moo’s milk and Ma Bolton’s jams and syrups. It can be tough out there for independent businesses, especially at the moment. Shopping locally is an opportunity to support each other.
Gullivers is a Farm, Shop and Deli Kitchen, but it’s also a charity and care provider.
That’s right, we offer a residential and Day Support service to adults with varying support needs. We receive referrals via local councils’ Adult Social Care teams, but people can also get in touch with us direct.
We run the Day Service on our farm, so the focus is on educating people with varying support needs – known as our Companions – on how to grow vegetable from seed, the care of animals, prepping and cooking of produce and helping run our Farm Shop.
We’ve created a supportive and inclusive environment where each person has their own area of expertise and responsibilities. This might be based on their interests or experience. Our approach is to meet people where they are at, listen to what they have to say, share our knowledge and create space for them to shine.
This idea of inclusion, a sense of wellbeing and community are woven into your events too.
Yes, we feel it’s really important to nurture these values as much as possible. We run monthly supper clubs, family-friendly events and seasonal activities throughout the year for the wider community. Our Wellness Yurt is also home to all kinds of classes and wellbeing retreats.
There’s beauty and magic in the everyday too. So during the week, and at weekends, visitors can pop into the Deli Kitchen for delicious, locally sourced food and drink to have in or takeaway. They can also head outside to our Orchard, a play area next to the café, and get comfy in the outdoor seating area while the little ones have fun in the mud kitchen.
We’re lucky to be based in a beautiful part of the world, so those that fancy a walk can explore our seasonal Nature Trail. It’s only around 800m, so it’s ideal for little legs. It’s also buggy, wheelchair, dementia and dog friendly. Everyone is welcome.
Website → gulliversfarmshop.co.uk
Instagram → @gulliversfarmshop
Address → Station Rd, West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0JG
