(High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire)
Produce:
Organic free-range eggs
The Harrison family has been farming at Abbey Leys near High Legh for three generations. The story began in the 1930`s when the current owner Tim`s grandfather, who was a tailor, was advised to move to the country to improve his health.
When Tim and his wife Janet took over the farm in the 1990`s, Janet started selling her home-produced eggs at local farmers` markets. Customers began asking how to source organic eggs and Janet realised this was a niche that Abbey Leys could fill. The couple changed to organic egg production and have never looked back, with daughter Rosemary joining the business to expand the highly successful farm shop.
The farm now boasts an extensive flock of mixed breed hens, including the iconic white Leghorns which lay the white eggs supplied by Organic North.
The chickens enjoy the highest welfare standards, foraging freely in large open fields planted with organic fruit trees, natural water sources and dust baths. They are housed in large, mobile sheds which can be moved to give the hens access to fresh pasture as required. Visitors to the Abbey Leys organic farm shop can watch the chickens displaying natural behaviors and living their best lives-current Avian Flu restrictions notwithstanding. The farm shop sells Abbey Leys organic eggs and home-grown organic New Cheshire Potatoes, as well as a range of organic goods, including fruit and vegetables supplied by Organic North.
Janet also pioneered the award-winning monthly Abbey Leys Community Farmers` Market where customers can purchase an extensive range of organic products.