Buy local
In this section
- Visitor Information Centres
- Discover the area
- Getting there
- Getting around
- What to see and do
- Where to stay
- Dedham Vale AONB Public Transport Guide
- Walking and cycling
- Buy local
- Further afield
- What is an AONB?
- Cultural environment
- The natural environment
- Ask a question
- Useful Links
- What to look out for in the valley
The Stour Valley is a beautiful rural area where much of the landscape is farmed and many local people live in small villages and market towns.
For the visitor, this gives endless opportunities to enjoy delicious and seasonal local produce and support the local economy at the same time!
Farming in the area generates a great selection of food. Look out for locally produced brands which reduce food miles, organic produce which benefits the local environment and local farm shops which help give the producers a fair price for their goods.
Many villages still have a shop or pub – vital for local people with limited transport and to reduce shopping miles for those who do. Buying what you need in these places will help keep them open all year round.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are increasingly popular, local markets include Dedham (every 3rd Friday of the month, 9.30am - 1pm), Long Melford (every 3rd Saturday of the month, 10.00am to 1pm) and Sudbury (last Friday in every month, 9.30am to 2pm). Farmers markets are a superb way of supporting small farming businesses, reducing food miles, buying seasonal produce, promoting diversity and building links between rural and urban communities.
Birchwood Farm Shop
Situated in Dedham, at the heart of the AONB, this farm shop supplies local produced goods including vegetables and fruit. Telephone: 01206323797
Carter's Vineyards
Another business that has grown up in the Stour Valley is Carter's Vineyards comprising of 40 acres of vines, wildflower meadows, lakes and woodland with regular events. www.cartersvineyards.co.uk
Copella
Since the 1960s, Coppella has been growing apples in the heart of the AONB to make their fresh apple juice. The company has grown and supplies all the major supermarkets with its 100% pure pressed apple juice. www.copellafruitjuices.co.uk
Fairfields Farm Crisps
A local company producing specialist potato crisps from potatoes grown in the fertile soils between the Stour and Colne Valleys and flavoured with local Suffolk ingredients. www.fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk Telephone: 01206 241613
Farmer Browns Ltd
A supplier of locally grown oilseed rape oil in Mount Bures. Telephone: 01787 227747
Poppy Farm Fruit & Veg
Based in Lawford, supplying local, homegrown and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Orders and home delivery. cindyr@hotmail.co.uk
There are many other small businesses in the Stour Valley producing fine food and drink. A visit will reveal a unique array of cafes restaurants, specialist food and drink producers and shops.
For more information about local produce visit:
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