FAQ

Where are your walnuts sourced from?

We grow our own organic walnuts in Somerset, UK. We never import from overseas.

Are your walnuts organic?

Yes, Sharpham Park walnuts are organic. We are certified by Organic Farmers & Growers.

What does organic mean?

The Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) states that:

‘Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators and livestock feed additives. Irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products produced from or by GMOs are generally prohibited by organic legislation.

Organic agriculture is a systems approach to production that is working towards environmentally, socially and economically sustainable production. Instead, the agricultural systems rely on crop rotation, animal and plant manures, some hand weeding and biological pest control’.

**Taken from DEFRA - Crown Copyright

Do you offer any allergen information?

We grow and sell organic walnuts. They contain nuts which are a known allergen.

If you have a severe nut allergy, we recommend exercising caution and consulting with your healthcare provider before consuming our walnuts.

What types of nuts do you sell?

British organic walnuts

How are your walnuts packaged?

We have various packaging options from fabric bags to presentation boxes, loose in a box etc. Please contact us with specific requirements.

What is the shelf life of your walnuts?

Up to 12 months but ideally consume sooner.

Do you offer bulk purchasing options?

Yes, if you are a retailer looking to open a trade account, please get in touch for a pricelist.

Do you offer gift packaging or options for special occasions?

Yes, please see our 350g presentation gift box.

Do you ship internationally?

Unfortunately it is not viable however if you have a special request and are willing to cover the postage cost, we may be able to find a solution.

Are your products suitable for vegans or vegetarians?

Yes, walnuts are both suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Are your walnuts from the UK?

Yes! We grow our own walnuts on our farm in Somerset, United Kingdom. We are proud to be British.

Are walnuts a source of collagen?

Walnuts are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids which help in producing collagen and maintaining skin elasticity.

Why do the walnuts vary in size and shape sometimes?

As a small British organic producer, we grow several walnut varieties across the Sharpham Park estate - including Broadview, Lara, Franquette and Fernor. Each has its own natural characteristics, shell texture and nut size, so you may notice some variation in appearance from one harvest to the next.

Weather patterns such as early frosts, rainfall and sunshine also influence how evenly the nuts develop each season, which can make consistent sizing and drying a little more challenging across such a natural crop.

Despite these differences, all our walnuts are freshly harvested, hand-sorted and dried here on the farm within the same season. We never sell from previous years’ crops, and all our varieties deliver the same rich flavour, freshness and nutritional value — naturally packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, fibre and plant protein to support heart, brain and gut health.

Natural variation is part of the charm (and sustainability) of a truly British harvest.

What varieties of walnuts do you grow and why?

At Sharpham Park, we grow a mix of walnut varieties specially chosen to thrive in the British climate and support our regenerative farming system. Our main varieties include Broadview, Lara, Franquette, Fernor, Fernette and Buccaneer.

Each brings something unique - from Broadview’s reliability and cold tolerance to Lara’s large, creamy kernels and Franquette’s traditional flavour. Fernor and Fernette add excellent quality and cross-pollination, while Buccaneer supports yield and resilience.

This diversity is key to our regenerative approach, which focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and working in harmony with nature. By growing multiple varieties, we create a more resilient orchard that supports pollinators and wildlife, strengthens the soil microbiome and helps our trees adapt naturally to changing weather conditions.

The result is a sustainable, flavourful and nutrient-rich harvest - proof that healthy soil grows healthy food.

Are all your walnuts from the same year’s harvest?

Yes. Every walnut we sell is freshly harvested, dried and packed from the same year’s crop. We never sell from previous harvests. We sell out within a matter of months from the harvest date, ensuring the best possible flavour, texture and nutrient quality.

How should I store my walnuts?

Keep your walnuts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For longer freshness, store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer - walnuts naturally contain oils that can go rancid if kept warm for long periods.

Why do some walnut shells have small cracks or marks?

Minor cracks or surface marks can occur naturally during harvesting and drying. These don’t affect quality or safety - they’re part of the natural, hand-sorted process of working with an unprocessed crop.

Are your walnuts processed in any way?

Our walnuts are minimally handled. They’re simply harvested, dried, hand-sorted and packed on our Somerset farm - no additives, bleaching or preservatives, just pure British organic walnuts.

What are the health benefits of walnuts?

Walnuts are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fibre and plant protein. Regular consumption supports heart, brain and gut health as part of a balanced diet.

How does growing walnuts support regenerative farming?

Walnut trees play a key role in our regenerative farming system by improving soil structure, supporting biodiversity and helping capture carbon. Their deep roots enhance soil microbiology and water retention, making them a climate-resilient crop for the future.

Are the walnut shells compostable?

Yes! Walnut shells are fully compostable and biodegradable, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce waste and garden more sustainably.

Crushed shells can be used in a variety of ways:

  • Garden mulch: Spread around the base of plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. They slowly break down, adding structure to the soil.
  • Slug and snail deterrent: Crushed shells have naturally sharp edges, creating an effective and chemical-free barrier to help protect young plants.

  • Soil conditioner: Finely ground shells enrich compost or garden beds, improving aeration and drainage as they decompose.
  • Natural exfoliant: Finely milled shells are sometimes used in eco-friendly skincare scrubs as a gentle, plastic-free exfoliator.
  • Abrasive material: Walnut shell powder is also used industrially for shot blasting and polishing because it’s tough yet biodegradable - a great zero-waste alternative to synthetic materials.

At Sharpham Park, we believe in making the most of every part of the walnut. From tree to table (and even back to the soil), nothing goes to waste.