Low Stanger Farm is a small (50 acre) lowland farm, used in the recent past as a stock-raising and dairy farm.  We are developing an organic (Soil Association certified from February 2009) market garden and orchard on part of the farm, the remainder of the land being used for sheep pasture.

Several of the farm’s field contain interesting, species-rich grassland and wetter fen areas.  These areas are in the process of being conserved and managed under the direction of Natural England.  The river Cocker, which is an SSSI, forms the farm’s Western boundary, and this area is also scheduled for extensive restoration and improvement, in order to increase bio-diversity, and improve the condition of the river (e.g. by fencing the river bank to allow for bank-side vegetation).

River Cocker flows through the farm

Some of the farm is accessible to the public along a bridleway.  In addition, visitors to our holiday let are allowed much wider access.

Fruit and Vegetable Growing

The market garden and orchard is still under development, and currently (2008) covers around 4 acres of land.  This area will become certified as Organic in early 2009. 

We produce fruit and vegetables on a relatively small scale, but with a wide variety and availability.  We run our own, small, weekly box scheme supplying the surrounding area, and also market produce to local cafes, restaurants and shops.  We are always looking for new outlets, especially for apples and other fruit.  Please contact us if you would like to know more about the box scheme, or wish to buy market garden produce on a less regular basis.  We do not have a farm shop, but are usually available to pick and sell produce to callers (best to telephone first).

Market Garden in high Summer

We grow a wide variety of soft and orchard fruit, including more than sixty different apple varieties.  Some of these are well-known names like Discovery and Bramley, but many are less well known, with a strong local connection.  These are generally available in smaller quantities.  These include Keswick Codlin’, Galloway Pippin, Duke of Devonshire (from Holker Hall), Longstart (a Westmorland apple, and our own Cockermouth Codlin’ and Lorton Vale.

Apples in our Tarn Close orchard (variety is Lemon Queen) – note Ladybird! – an advantage of Organic cultivation

We are happy to supply apples (and other fruit in season) as a regular weekly order, or on an irregular basis.  Please ask for details of what is in season.

Apples after harvest – variety is Miller’s Seedling