Hadleigh Farm (Salvation Army)

Owner: The Salvation Army

Managed by: Simon and Ginny Gibson

Location: Benfleet, Essex

Enterprises/Activities: Rare breeds visitor centre, combinable crops, grassland, Hereford sucklers [2011 update: Home to the mountain bike course for the London 2012 Olympics]

History/background:

The Salvation Army has owned the farm since 1890. It was purchased as a result of a vision the Salvation Army’s founder William Booth had to have a farm to be used as a residential training colony where people could be retrained in land based industries.

This work continued until the 1960s when the farm became a commercial concern. Today this farm runs to 360 Ha and grows a range of combinable crops, some of which are organic, 140 Ha of organic grassland that supports 50 pedigree Hereford suckler cows and followers and a rare breed centre that is open to the public.

The cattle produce high quality, traceable locally produced beef. This is sold direct to the public through our own farmers market as well as through a new local producer group AGAP. The extensively grazed grass fed cattle produce a very good flavoured beef as well as being fully organic. Pedigree breeding stock are also produced.

The farmland is mainly grade II. Mixed topography of flat reclaimed marsh land with a soil type of Wallasey clays to the gravels over clay on the hills. The close proximity to the river Thames can lead to mild wet climate.

The farm is host to three ancient monuments. One is a crop mark of a Roman Fort, the second is the ruin of Hadleigh Castle and the third is a WWII gunning placement and army camp.

The farm has joined the countryside stewardship scheme to help enhance the environment. Work undertaken includes hedge planting and laying, the planting of beetle banks and conservation strips, tree planting and open public access.

The farm started a rare breed centre in 2004 with the aim of helping in the conservation of rare breeds of domestic farm animals. Currently these include sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. Other projects on the farm include a regular farmers market held once a month and a new DIY livery project.

Website: www.hadleighfarm.co.uk (opens in a new window)
Tel: 01702 55850
Address: Salvation Army-Hadleigh Farm, Castle Lane, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 2AP
Email: info@hadleighfarm.co.uk