Our Story
History of Blackmarsh Farm…
In 1912, the Hunt family took over the tenancy of Blackmarsh Farm which is part of the Digby Estate. In 1934, Ralph (Peter’s Great Uncle) started a milk round from Blackmarsh Farm. His son Michael turned the business into what is now Hunts Food Services, which is run by Peter’s brother Richard and his son Thomas.
Robert (Peter’s father) and his wife Margaret took over the tenancy in 1969 and moved into the farm house in early 1970 with their three sons – Peter, Richard and Alistair.
In 1991 Peter took over the tenancy from his father and he and his wife Amanda moved into the farmhouse in 1993.
Since then, The Hunts and the farmers of Blackmarsh Farm have embraced new technologies and practices that help to improve the farming process, helping to keep local farming a part of our heritage and landscape.
In 2003, with a young family in tow, the Hunts diversified into the world of retail, selling toys and outdoor climbing frames.
The Toy Barn provided purpose for unused farm buildings and, over time, the land surrounding the barns expanded to include outdoor frames, a go-kart track and an annual Maize Maze, proving to be a popular destination for local families with young children.
Where we are today…
The working farm is now proud to include 3 generations of Hunts, Peter’s father, Peter and now his son Charlie. Whilst remaining a working farm supplying milk to major supermarkets, in 2022 the Hunts once again underwent a major diversification of the business.
Farming itself may be streamlining, but costs for farmers have continued to rise, demanding more diversification for modern day farming. Both the buildings and the business have undergone an exciting transformation, to help create a bigger and better destination for young families. With the help of a Grant from The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (learn more here), Blackmarsh Farm has seen the creation of a new retail space offering gifts and homeware as well as toys, books and games. The Toy Barn continues to sell an improved selection of climbing frames and accessories. The building now includes Blackmarsh Farm café providing delicious brunches, light lunches, cakes, and drinks for our visitors.
Our story may have begun in 1912, but we are now entering a new chapter, celebrating nature, the outdoors, muddy boots and growing wild.
Kitchen Garden
The thriving Kitchen Garden at Blackmarsh Farm celebrates the homegrown and seasonal harvest.
We grow a wide variety of vegetables, salads, herbs and fruits, all of which are used to create delicious dishes in our cafe. Fresh and seasonal produce is always on sale in our shop as well. We grow all our produce using the no-dig method.
Learn more about how the Kitchen Garden works below.
Sustainability
Our commitment to the land and nature is fundamental to both our farming business the shop and the cafe.
Our no-dig kitchen garden helps to support the menu in our café, changing seasonally and providing fresh produce in the shop. We source our products locally where possible, supporting local businesses and using recyclable packaging. We are far from perfect, but we aim to be better wherever we can.
Black Shed
In 2017 our friends Paul and Helen came to us with a fantastic proposal – they wanted to start a flower farm and needed some land! Since then, Black Shed Flowers has grown into an ambitious British flower farm specialising in a spectacular range of beautiful cut flowers and foliage.
Paul and Helen and their staff welcome visitors so why not combine a trip to Blackmarsh Farm with a wander around Black Shed garden. You may spot some of our cows grazing in the neighbouring field!
