Sustainability

At Sharpham Park, sustainability is not a layer added on to farming, it is the system the farm is built on.

We are a regenerative organic farm in Somerset, producing British organic walnuts through a circular approach where nothing is wasted and everything has a role to play.

Our focus is simple, to work with the land, support soil health and biodiversity, and build a model of farming that can sustain itself over time.

We are beekeepers

Bees are vital for pollinating our trees, playing a crucial role not only in walnut production but also in sustaining global food crops, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining healthy ecosystems. They contribute significantly to agricultural economies and produce valuable products like honey and beeswax. Recognising their importance, we often rescue swarming bees and provide them with a home in our wooden beehives, ensuring their survival and continued contribution to our planet. #SaveTheBees

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A circular zero-waste system

At the centre of Sharpham Park is the walnut tree. Every part of it is used.

Branches from pruning are chipped and returned to the orchard as mulch, helping retain moisture and suppress weeds. Husks are composted and reused as natural fertiliser, and shells are collected and milled for new product uses across food, cosmetics and materials.

Leaves, long recognised in traditional practices, are also being explored for their role in natural medicine and pest control.

This is a working circular system, where outputs from one stage become inputs for the next.

Closing the loop on the farm

Resources are recirculated across the estate wherever possible. Rainwater is harvested from roofs and stored for irrigation, helping protect yields in drier periods.

Solar panels and battery storage supply a significant share of the farm’s electricity, powering electric vehicles and tools used on site.

These systems reduce reliance on external inputs and support a more resilient way of farming.

Wildflower Meadows

At Sharpham Park, our wildflower meadows are a testament to our commitment to sustainable farming. These meadows support biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife and essential resources for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which enhance crop pollination and yields. They also contribute to soil health, water management, and natural pest control, reducing the need for chemical interventions. Beyond their environmental benefits, our wildflower meadows add to the natural beauty of the landscape and help combat climate change by sequestering carbon, reflecting our dedication to sustainable and resilient farming practices.

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Farming in balance with nature

Sharpham Park follows regenerative organic principles, focusing on soil health and biodiversity.

Shropshire sheep graze the orchards, controlling weeds naturally while fertilising the soil without damaging the trees.

Wildflower meadows and hedgerows provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife, supporting a farm that functions as a connected ecosystem.

Shropshire Sheep

On our farm, we prioritise sustainability, ecology, and biodiversity by using sheep to graze and fertilise our orchards. Over the past decade, we've integrated sheep into our organic farming cycle to control weeds without herbicides, allowing our crops to thrive. We use Shropshire sheep, known for being "tree-friendly," as they graze without debarking our walnut and apple trees—a process where sheep strip the bark, potentially killing the trees by cutting off their nutrient supply. Additionally, the sheep provide natural fertilisation with their manure. This eco-friendly method supports our commitment to organic and regenerative farming, promoting a healthier environment and robust crop yields.

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Organic by design

Sharpham Park is certified organic, with standards independently verified by Organic Farmers & Growers.

No synthetic pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilisers are used. Instead, fertility is built through natural cycles, composting and livestock integration.

This approach supports long-term soil health and more resilient crop production.

Blog Articles: Sustainability

  • Walnuts, recognised as a Top 50 Sustainable Future Food by the Knorr & WWF report

    Possibly the oldest tree food known to humans, records report walnut consumption dating back 10,000 years49. Containing more omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E than many other nuts, the kernel itself resembles the two halves of a brain, reinforcing their nickname of ‘brain food’. Walnuts contain protein, vitamins and minerals, and have been claimed to be one of the most nutritious nuts.

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  • Sustainable, regenerative British Organic Walnut farming without chemicals

    Rest assured, our commitment to organic and regenerative farming means our products are free from pesticides, insecticides, and oil-based fertilisers. Experience the pure goodness of our organic walnuts, nourished by our thriving soil microbiome, promoting both digestion and gut health.

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