Roundoak and Kings Oak Farms at Sutton Valence and Ulcombe in Kent have been chosen as joint winners of the Kent Countryside Award 2018 at the Taste of Kent Awards dinner on 8 March at The Kent Showground.
In its 14th year, this award is given to farmers, growers of food and producers of rural business that contribute to the Kent Countryside.
Owner Norman Coles explained: “All of our activities at the farms, including Roundoak events and holidays, are run with a focus on preserving, enjoying and raising awareness of rare breeds and their welfare, the Kentish Countryside and the production of high quality produce. We are therefore very proud to have won this award.”
Roundoak and Kings Oak Farms are a unique concept, specialising in Rare Breeds, set in the heart of the Kentish Countryside. They are currently home to 120 Highland cows and calves and in excess of 700 rare breed sheep including Hebrideans, North Ronaldsays and the very endangered Borerays. The Farms also have some more commercial stock including a herd of Sussex cattle, as well as pigs, ducks and chickens.
A very important aspect of its business is ‘conservation grazing’ in partnership with numerous organisations from Kent Wildlife Trust, Kent County Council and numerous local councils and private individuals. Roundoak stock is used to bring neglected and overgrown land back to serviceable management. Rare breeds produce very high quality meat that is particularly full of flavor, lean and low in cholesterol and as a result, Roundoak have supplied many local restaurants and butchers. The Farm also sells stock commercially.
