A Warm Welcome to Handley Farm
A magical place in Derbyshire
You can find us in an idyllic spot in the Derbyshire countryside, a stone’s throw from Belper. Handley Farm is home to Tony and Sue, and volunteers who support a variety of projects, goats, three pet sheep, cows, pigs and hens.
The doors are open for visitors who enjoy goat walking experiences, helping feed or milk the goats, or learning new skills around the farm. Many of the visitors are children with special needs who benefit from being outdoors in a safe environment, and who enjoy Tony and Sue’s warm welcome and hospitality.
A recently established CIC (Community Interest Company) includes a care farm, men’s shed, community supported agriculture project, and Open Food Network hub.
Care Farm
Since Tony and Sue moved to Handley Farm, they began to realise they had something magical. Many people, including friends and family, and others who they had never met before, turned up to give them a hand. Surprised at how many volunteers wanted to be involved, they opened their doors to people from the local area and around the world.
Visitors included children with special needs, and adults who all experienced transformations by spending time around the goats and in nature.
Seeing the changes first hand, Tony and Sue decided to establish a care farm to make it possible for more people to visit and to benefit from the experience.
Men’s Shed
A new Men’s Shed is being set up in the barn as a place where men and women can make and create. The UK Men’s Sheds Association was set up to support sheds around the country, promoting the positive mental health benefits of making and DIY.
In the early stages, Belper Shed is looking for volunteers to get involved in building the shed or anyone who would like to become a member. If you’re interested in woodwork, woodturning, metal work, DIY or any other related crafts, please get in touch. Find out more about Belper Shed here.
Handley Farm Food Hub
From 9th May we’ll be opening the doors of the Handley Farm Food Hub, part of the Open Food Network. Each week customers will be able to order their weekly shop, choosing fresh, artisanal produce from local producers, and collecting their shopping from the Bull Shed each Thursday.
Community Supported Agriculture
A vegetable garden, with greenhouse and poly tunnels, will provide fresh vegetables and salad for a veg box scheme. Growing a range of salad and veg, the CSA is being developed by volunteers. Opportunities are available to get hands on in the garden. If you are a keen gardener or would like to know more, please get in touch with us.
The Bull Shed
The Bull Shed is a steak restaurant in what was once the old collecting parlour for the milking. Cockerel’s footprints wander across the concrete floor towards where there is now a warm hearth and a bar.
Tony and Sue host guests on Fridays and Saturdays. With a menu of home cooked local produce, the Bull Shed is very popular with many regulars.
Grumpy Farmer Goats Cheese
Grumpy Farmer Goats Cheese is a soft creamy cheese made at Handley using the milk from our own goats. We’ve been making it since 2016 and it’s won awards - Bronze in the World Cheese Awards and Gold and Silver at the Artisan Cheese Awards in Melton Mowbray.
We sell our cheese on a stall in Wirksworth, every week, rain or shine. We have many loyal customers who come to the market whatever the weather because they know we’ll be there and they want to support us.
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Visit our website to find out more about our projects, how you can get involved or volunteer.