Situated just two miles from Cockermouth in picturesque Stanger, Low Stanger Farm operates as an organic, mixed, market garden and smallholding, blending traditional Cumbrian agriculture with sustainable practices and education opportunities.
Agricultural Enterprise & Sustainability
Low Stanger specialises in certified organic produce—over 350 apple trees encompassing more than 80 varieties and seasonal vegetables, available via box schemes, on-farm sales and some independent, local retail. The farm also cultivates wheat, milled into bread flour, and maintains a small herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and some sheep. Since 2009, it has been under a Higher Level Stewardship scheme that supports hay meadow restoration and wildlife conservation in partnership with Natural England and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
Education & Visitor Engagement
The farm hosts guided tours during open days, offering visitors insight into hay meadow restoration and organic market gardening practices. Educational visits are also well supported: Low Stanger is CEVAS-accredited and provides tailored programmes for school groups, complete with facilities like toilets, handwashing areas, and coach parking.
Local Economic Impact
Low Stanger Farm delivers meaningful economic contributions across several fronts:
Direct-to-consumer sales bolster local food networks and provide high-quality organic produce to residents and visitors alike.
Tourism and education, through self-catering accommodation (Stable Cottage) and guided farm visits, supports regional hospitality and learning sectors.
Low Stanger Farm embodies sustainable farming through conservation and educational tourism. By supplying organic produce, restoring habitats, and welcoming visitors through immersive experiences, it enriches the local economy, fosters environmental stewardship, and exemplifies the resilience of Cumbrian rural enterprise.
Image from Low Stanger Farm's Instagram