Farming
Surrey’s rural landscape is a classic English patchwork of farms, woods, fields, heathland and villages. This beautiful countryside, some of it designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is managed by landowners and farmers as a working landscape – growing cereal crops, vegetables, flowers, fruit and trees for timber as well as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry. Recent years have seen a decline in dairy, arable and pig farming. Beef and sheep production make up the majority of livestock numbers. Many farm businesses have in recent decades diversified into other areas, activities range from equestrian enterprises to the conversion of old farm buildings to office space and retail premises. The majority of produce from Surrey Farms is sold into the wholesale market; however an increasing number of Surrey Farms are now retailing their produce direct to the public through farm gate sales, farm shops, farmers’ markets, box schemes, pubs and restaurants. The emphasis is on quality produce, good animal husbandry, low food miles and low environmental impact as well as enhancing biodiversity and habitats.
The County hosts a number of agricultural shows, including the Surrey County Show, the largest one-day agricultural show in the country promoting and representing those working and living in the countryside.
Agricultural Trade Organisations
Country Landowners Association South East
The Turbine Barn
Forton, Longparish
Andover, Hants SP11 6NU
Regional Contact: Mr Rupert Ashby Regional Director rupert.ashby@cla.org.uk/
01264 722000
Farm Crisis Network Head Office,
Manor Farm,
West Haddon,
Northampton,
NN6 7AQ.
Tel 01788 510866
website:www.fcn.org.uk
Regional contact: The Revd. Sarah Brown
FCN Helpline: 0845 367 9990 (7am – 11pm every day)
Farming, Wildlife and Conservation
Surrey Farming & Wildlife Conservation,
Lydling Farm,
Shackleford,
Godalming,
Surrey,
GU8 6AP
Tel:www.fwag.org.uk
Regional Contact: Shaun Page, Team Leader - Surrey and Hants
01483 810887
National Farmers Union South East Region
Unit 8 Ground Floor
Rotherbrook Court
Bedford Road
Petersfield, Hants GU32 3QG
Tel: 01730 711950
www.nfuonline.com
Regional contact: County Chairman: Hugh Broom 07767 834621?
The NFU's mission is to champion British farming and growing
Rural Stress Helpline
The Arthur Rank Centre
Stoneleigh Park
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 2LZ
Tel (helpline): 0845 094 8286?
Tel (admin): 024 7685 3081
Web address: www.ruralstresshelpline.co.uk
Surrey Food Links
www.surreyfoodlinks.co.uk
Contact Wendy Neal-Smith: 020 8541 9013/07968 832340
Surrey Grassland Society
Secretary Tim Kenny 01737 843784
timkenny@dsl.pipex.com
Tenant Farmers Asociation
www.tfa.org.uk
Agricultural Show Organisations
Chertsey Agricultural Association
Hardwick Court Farm
Hardwick Lane
Chertsey Surrey KT16 0AD
Contact: Carl Boyd 01932 571237
www.chertseyshow.co.uk
Cranleigh and South Eastern Agricultural Society
Oakapple Cottage
Stane Street
Ockley, Dorking RH5 5ST?
www.cranleighshow.org.uk
Contact: Mrs Judy Troughton, Secretary 01306 712050
One day agricultural show in the heart of the Surrey countryside
Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Society
Oakley Farm Bletchingley Road Merstham, Surrey RH1 3QN
www.edenbridge-show.co.uk
Contact: Mrs J E Shearman
Egham Royal Show
17 Glebe Road
Egham
Surrey
TW20 8BU
www.eghamroyalshow.org.uk
Contact: James Doran
Surrey County Agricultural Society
8 Birtley Courtyard
Bramley
Surrey GU5 OLA
Contact: Sonia Ashworth, Chief Executive Tel 01483 890810
Email: scas@surreycountyshow.co.uk
www.surreycountyshow.co.uk
A Surrey charity founded to encourage agriculture, agricultural employees and the advancement of breeding and rearing, through the annual Surrey County Show, annual County Ploughing Match and Country Fair and Surrey Farm and Food Week.
The Surrey Federation of Young Farmers
The Mayford Centre
Smart Heath Road
Woking, Surrey GU22 OPP
Website: surreyyfc.co.uk
Regional Contact: Lorraine Viles, County Administrator Tel: 01483 769786
YFC’s seek to meet the needs of rural young people through educational, training and social programmes which encourage community involvement and concern for our environment” Surrey YFC organise the Cowpie Country Show on the second Sunday in May.
Windlesham & District Agricultural & Horticultural Society
22 Cuckoo Lane West End Woking Surrey GU24 9NG
Contact Angela Anstall, Show Secretary: 01483 480342
Documents for download
Surrey Farm and Food Week Leaflet – Surrey County Agricultural Society
Surrey Farm Study 2009 – Surrey Rural Partnership
Why Farming Matters Campaign – National Farmers Union