Buying Local Matters: Supporting Farms, Reducing Miles, and Enjoying Fresher Produce

In a world where supermarket shelves are stacked with options, it’s easy to forget that some of the best food available comes from just down the road. Buying local eggs isn’t just a trend—it’s a simple choice that makes a big difference to farms, the environment, animal welfare, and the quality of the food on your plate.

Here’s why choosing eggs from your local farm truly matters.

1. Fresher Eggs = Better Taste and Longer Shelf Life

When you buy from a nearby farm, you’re often getting eggs that were laid that same day or within the week.
Compare that to supermarket eggs, which may already be 2–3 weeks old by the time they hit the shelves.

Fresh eggs mean:

• Richer, brighter yolks

• Firmer whites (great for poaching and baking!)

• Longer-lasting quality in your fridge

• Better nutrition retention

When you crack a freshly laid local egg, you can literally see the difference.

2. Supporting Local Farms and Rural Communities

Every time you buy local eggs, you’re helping to keep a real farm running—not a faceless corporation.
Local farms rely on community support to:

• Maintain high welfare standards

• Create rural jobs

• Care for the land sustainably

• Pass farming knowledge to the next generation

Your purchase directly supports the families who put time, care, and passion into their animals and their land.

It’s more than an egg—it’s an investment in your local countryside.

3. Fewer Food Miles, Smaller Carbon Footprint

“Food miles” refer to the distance your food travels from farm to plate.
Local eggs travel a fraction of the distance of commercial supply chains, meaning:

• Reduced fuel use

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions

• Fresher produce that doesn’t need long-term refrigeration

Shorter journeys benefit both the environment and the customer.

Buying local is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint—without sacrificing quality.

4. Transparency and Trust You Can’t Get From a Supermarket

When you buy directly from a farm, you know exactly where your eggs came from.
You can ask questions, see photos, visit the farm (if they allow it), and understand the care that goes into raising hens.

This transparency builds trust because:

• You know the hens are well cared for

• You can be confident in the farming practices

• You’re buying from people, not a supply chain

Today’s customers want honesty and traceability—and buying local delivers both.

5. Better Welfare for the Hens

Many small UK farms keep their hens in free-range or traditional mixed outdoor systems with more space and natural behaviour opportunities than the minimum legal standards.

When you choose local eggs, you’re often choosing:

• More natural foraging

• Better enrichment

• Lower flock stress

• Healthier, happier birds

High-welfare birds produce better-quality eggs—it really is that simple.

6. Keeping Local Food Traditions Alive

The UK has a rich history of poultry keeping, with many regions known for their favourite breeds and farming styles. Small farms help preserve:

• Rare or heritage breeds like the Light Sussex

• Traditional egg production methods

• Local food culture and rural identity

By supporting small producers, you help keep these traditions from disappearing.

7. Your Money Stays in the Local Economy

When you buy from a local farm, most of the money stays within the community—helping other small businesses, local suppliers, vets, feed mills, and markets.

Buying local creates a ripple effect that strengthens the entire region.

The Bottom Line: Local Eggs Just Make Sense

Choosing local eggs means:

✔ Fresher, tastier produce
✔ Lower food miles
✔ Higher welfare
✔ Transparent farming practices
✔ Support for your community

It’s a small choice, but it has a big impact.

If you're looking for eggs that are fresh, ethical, and delicious, we’re proud to offer exactly that right here on our farm.
Pop by, ask questions, meet the team, and enjoy eggs laid by well-cared-for hens just a stone’s throw from your home.

The Truth About Free-Range Farming in the UK

At first glance, the label “free-range” sounds straightforward—hens roaming outside, clucking contentedly, eggs from happy birds. But as any conscientious poultry farmer knows, the reality is more complex. Here’s a deep dive into what “free-range” means legally in the UK, how a farm might implement it in practice, and (most importantly) why it matters for bird welfare and egg quality.

What Does “Free-Range” Actually Mean (Legally)

In the UK, “free-range” for laying hens and for meat-poultry is governed by marketing standards and welfare legislation. These rules set minimums—but they are only part of the story.

For laying hens / eggs

Under the relevant EU/UK egg-marketing regulations:

• Hens must have continuous daytime access to open-air runs (except when temporarily housed e.g., due to bird-flu restrictions).

• The runs must be mainly covered with vegetation.

• There is a maximum stocking density for the outdoor runs: one hectare per 2,500 hens (equivalent to 4 m² per hen) when fully out.

• Housing conditions inside must meet the barn system standards: e.g., max 9 hens per m² of usable area in some systems.

• The distinctive code on the egg (e.g., “1-UK-1234-56”) indicates “free range” status (the first digit “1” for free-range eggs from the UK).

For meat-poultry labelled “free-range”

On the meat side, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) guidance says:

• Chickens (for meat) labelled “free range” must have continuous daytime access to open-air runs (vegetation required) and meet specified stocking/age standards.

• If birds are housed because of a disease-control zone (e.g., bird flu), the “free range” status may be maintained for up to 12 weeks from the date of housing; after that they must be marketed differently.

Important caveats

• “Free range” sets a minimum standard. It does not guarantee large outdoor space or that all birds actually spend time outdoors. The runs may be limited. As a commentary put it: “free-range lacks consistent regulations”.

• During periods of disease control (e.g., avian flu), birds might have to be kept indoors—even free-range flocks.

• Additional certification schemes (e.g., RSPCA Assured) go beyond legal minimums.

How We Implement Free-Range Farming on Our UK Poultry Farm

As a farm committed to high standards, we don’t simply tick the legal boxes—we aim to make free-range mean something meaningful. Here’s how we do it:

1. Outdoor access from day-light onwards
   Our laying hens have pop-holes (doors) open each morning (weather permitting) into vegetable-covered runs, allowing them natural foraging, scratching, dust-bathing. We monitor that most birds make use of the range—not just the first few at the doors.

2. Reasonable range space & rotation
   While the legal minimum is approx. 4 m² per hen for the outdoor area, we aim for significantly more, and we rotate poultry runs to allow the vegetation to recover and to reduce parasite and disease build-up in the soil. This helps welfare and range quality.

3. Indoor comfort and enrichment
   Inside the house the birds have perches, nest-boxes, litter for scratching and dust bathing. We ensure stocking densities have some buffer under the legal maximum. Clean, dry litter, good ventilation, natural daylight (where possible) are high priorities.

4. Feed, welfare, monitoring
   We provide a balanced layers’ feed, but we also encourage natural forage (on the range). We monitor bird health, behaviour (pecking, feather condition, activity levels), predator risks, weather impacts, and make adjustments accordingly. For example, on very wet or icy days we enhance shelter and ensure the outdoor range remains safe.

5. Contingency for disease control
   In case of a bird-flu restriction or other statutory housing order, we follow the legal requirement of housing the birds. We then clearly communicate to customers if “free-range” access was temporarily suspended. The integrity of the farm brand is paramount.

Why It Matters: Welfare & Egg Quality

Why go through all this effort? Because “free-range” done well does make a difference—for the birds, for the land, and for the egg on the plate.

Welfare benefits

• Natural behaviour: Hens in proper free‐range systems can forage, scratch, dust-bathe, roam a bit, perch. These behaviours aren’t possible in tightly confined systems. That contributes to better mental and physical welfare.

• Less stress, better health: Outdoor access helps reduce leg-weakness, improves bone strength (birds move more), may reduce some behavioural problems that come from severely restricted systems.

• Better environment: If the range is managed (vegetation, shelter, rotation), birds have a more stimulating environment instead of a bare yard or overcrowded shed.

Impacts on egg quality

• Diet variation: Birds that forage may pick up insects, seeds, greens which add variety to their diet. That can influence yolk colour, taste and potentially nutrient profile (though it’s not a guarantee).

• Freshness & traceability: On farm direct sales (or local markets) of genuine free-range eggs often mean you’re getting fresher product and you know a bit more about where it came from.

Final Thoughts

“Free-range” in the UK isn’t just a marketing buzz‐phrase—it is defined by law, and many farms go beyond that minimum. But as a poultry farmer you owe it to your birds and your customers to implement it honestly and with integrity. For the consumer, knowing what “free-range” truly means—and asking questions—makes all the difference.

If you’re a keeper, buyer or simply curious: check the batch code, ask the producer for range photos, visit if possible, and look for additional welfare-certified labels if you want extra assurance.

And for our part, on our farm we’re committed to “free-range” being more than words—it’s our standards, our birds’ daily life, and your peace of mind.

The Rare Breed Light Sussex: A Timeless Icon of British Poultry

Among the many treasured heritage breeds in the UK, few are as instantly recognisable—or as historically significant—as the Light Sussex. With their striking white plumage, black neck hackles, and proud, upright stance, Light Sussex chickens are not only visually stunning but also play an important role in Britain’s poultry heritage. Though once common on farms across the country, they are now considered a rare breed, cherished by enthusiasts, smallholders, and conservation breeders striving to preserve their legacy.

A Rich History Rooted in the British Countryside

The Sussex breed dates back to at least the early 19th century, originating in the county of Sussex and becoming a favourite table bird long before the rise of commercial hybrids. By the early 20th century, the breed standard was established, with the Light Sussex becoming one of the best-known colour varieties.

Their historical popularity stemmed from their versatility: they were dual-purpose birds, valued for excellent meat quality and reliable egg production. Before industrial breeding transformed poultry farming, the Sussex was a staple of British agriculture.

Why the Light Sussex Became Rare

Despite their early success, traditional breeds like the Light Sussex fell out of favour as commercial strains dominated modern farming. Hybrids that grew faster or laid more intensively displaced heritage breeds, leading to steep declines in population.

Today, organisations such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) list traditional poultry among species requiring protection to maintain genetic diversity. The Light Sussex, though still known among poultry keepers, relies heavily on small-scale breeders and enthusiasts to sustain its numbers.

What Makes the Light Sussex Special?

If you’ve ever kept Light Sussex chickens, you’ll know that their charm goes well beyond their appearance.

1. Friendly, Curious Temperament

Light Sussex birds are exceptionally people-friendly. They’re calm, inquisitive, and enjoy interacting with their keepers, making them ideal for family flocks.

2. Hardy and Adaptable

Developed in the English countryside, the Light Sussex handles the UK climate with ease. They’re robust, disease-resistant, and thrive in free-range environments.

4. Beautiful Traditional Look

Their iconic colouring—a white body with contrasting black feathers on the neck, wings, and tail—makes them popular for showing and ornamental flocks.

Caring for Light Sussex Chickens

Keeping Light Sussex birds is relatively straightforward. Here are a few care tips:

• Space: They enjoy roaming and foraging; free-range or large runs suit them well.

• Diet: A balanced layers’ feed, plus the greens and insects they find while foraging, keeps them in top condition.

• Housing: Provide secure, dry housing and plenty of perch space—they are medium-to-large birds.

• Breeding: They can go broody but are generally reliable mothers when they do.

Why We Should Preserve This Rare Breed

Heritage breeds like the Light Sussex carry unique genetics that contribute to biodiversity and serve as a safeguard against disease vulnerabilities in commercial lines. By supporting rare breeds, keepers help maintain a living link to Britain’s rural past.

Whether kept for eggs, showing, or simply the joy of having a piece of agricultural history in your garden, Light Sussex chickens offer both beauty and purpose.

UK Budget 2024: How Inheritance Tax Changes Could Threaten Family Farms and Rural Communities

The recent UK budget has generated significant concern among farmers, especially around changes to inheritance tax that could disrupt generational succession and strain the agricultural sector. In the 2024 budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced adjustments to inheritance tax, including the partial reduction of Agricultural Property Relief (APR). This relief currently allows farms to pass from one generation to the next without a large tax bill, essential for keeping family farms intact. The changes, however, will now limit tax-free transfers to only the first £1 million in assets, with assets exceeding this threshold facing a 20% tax rate instead of the prior 0% with full APR.

Farm leaders have argued that these tax changes could push smaller family-owned farms to sell off land or assets to meet tax obligations, fragmenting rural communities and endangering local food security. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has labeled this adjustment a "family farm tax," emphasising that it may have severe implications for family-owned farms, which are typically cash-poor but asset-rich, due to the high value of farmland. Many of these farms have been in families for generations, and the new tax burden could make it financially untenable for heirs to continue farming

In addition to impacting individual families, the NFU warns that these changes could damage the broader farming sector by discouraging long-term land stewardship and reducing incentives for landowners to let out land to agricultural tenants. Critics also argue that the revenue generated from these changes is relatively minor compared to the potential harm to the rural economy and community cohesion.

What's the Buzz About Raw vs. Fake Honey?

Ever wondered what sets raw honey apart from the rest? With terms like raw, natural, pure, and even fake honey floating around, it's easy to get confused. But don’t worry, we’re here to clear things up!

Raw Honey: Nature’s Sweet Gift

Raw honey is as pure as it gets. It comes straight from the hive with minimal processing, meaning it’s packed with all the natural goodness bees intended. At Higher Oak Farm, our honey is 100% pure and natural – no additives, just the real deal. When you buy from us, you’re getting honey made by bees, not in a factory.

Raw honey is rich in pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and even tiny bits of wax, all suspended in its golden liquid. This minimal processing ensures you enjoy all the health benefits and natural properties of this delicious, nutritious food.

Fake Honey: A Sticky Situation

Fake honey, on the other hand, is a different story. This honey-like product often contains flavors, fillers, dyes, and sugars, and sometimes not a drop of real bee honey! Instead, it’s made up of glucose syrups, inverted sugar solutions, or corn, cane, and beet syrups. While it might look like raw honey, it’s made in a factory and lacks the natural taste, texture, and aroma.

Here’s why fake honey doesn’t measure up:

• Volume Boosters: It often includes cheaper syrups to bulk up the volume and reduce costs.

• Watered Down: High water content dilutes the honey, increasing volume but reducing quality.

• Artificial Additives: Dyes and flavor enhancers are added.

• Health Impact: Fake honey lacks the health benefits of pure honey and can have a sour smell or no smell at all, with a sugary taste.

Commercial Honey

Supermarket honey can range from raw to fake. Most commercially produced honey is heated to high temperatures and finely filtered to remove any “specks” to extend its shelf life and become more visually appealing to the consumer. However, this process can strip away many of the natural benefits.

Simple Tests to Spot Real Honey

Want to check if your honey is the real deal? Try any of these easy tests:

1. Water Test: Drop a teaspoon of honey into a glass of water. Raw honey will sink to the bottom, while fake honey will dissolve.

2. Finger Test: Place a drop of honey on your finger. If it spreads, it’s likely fake. Real honey will stay in place.

3. Crystallization: Over time, real honey crystallizes. If it stays syrupy, it might be fake.

4. Matchstick Test: Dip an unlit matchstick into the honey and try to light it. Raw honey will light up, while fake honey won’t, due to its high moisture content.

So, if you’re looking for genuine, raw honey, you’ve come to the right place. Treat yourself to the pure, natural taste of Higher Oak Farm honey, and enjoy all the benefits nature intended!

Watch The Process: How We Create our Higher Oak Farm Raw Honey.

Country Living Magazine Video

Country Living Magazine Video Feature - April 2024 - Higher Oak Farm & Oaks Artisan

Country Living & Cheshire life Magazine Features

🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟

We were thrilled to announce that we were featured in both Country Living Magazine and Cheshire Life in April! 📰✨

Last year, we were approached by Country Living Magazine for a special feature in their April 2024 issue, showcasing our family farm, Higher Oak Farm. It was an absolute delight to spend the day with their team, sharing our journey and capturing the essence of what makes our small business so special. 🌾📸

But that's not all! We also graced the pages of Cheshire Life in a special article highlighting Oaks Artisan and our delectable range of treats just in time for Easter. 🐣🍫

You can read the articles here...

Cheshire Life
Country Living

#Featured #CountryLiving #CheshireLife #OaksArtisan #supportlocalbusiness #farminglife #artisanchocolate #artisanbakery #shoplocal #Higheroakfarm #Rarebreed #poultryfarm

Country Living Magazine Feature Video - Oaks Artisan & Higher Oak Farm- April 2024

Country Living Magazine & Cheshire Life Magazine April 2024

Chickcozy - Automatic Chicken Coop Door

I honestly don’t know how I’d be without any form of automatic door for our hens! There’s nothing nicer than knowing that first thing in the morning the hens are going to be mooching about without you having to lift a finger. We’ve been super lucky to be sent a Chickcozy Automatic Chicken door to try and see what we think!

They offer their door in two colours; Lime Green and Dark Goldenrod. We opted for the lovely golden colour, I’m hoping it manifests into the hens to create beautiful yolks! I also absolutely love that the door comes with it’s own chicken stickers to personalise your door too!

Most of our coops are for 50 hens or more, so this style door wouldn’t work for those as the doors that come on the coop are much wider than what the Chickcozy would fit. But let’s be honest, not too many people who are looking for an automatic door have coops that size. We tried our Chickcozy door on one of our smaller coops that fits 10 hens. Alternatively, it’s a great choice if you’re building your own coop, then you can create a hole that is the perfect size for the Chickcozy automatic door opener.

The door is operational by using batters, which are provide, or by using the mains. We opted for the battery operation. There’s a small battery slot on the top left of the door on the side. You can pop this open, remove the battery pack, load it up with new batteries, click it back in and off you go. A really easy process. The door has a small LED screen where it tells you the percentage of the battery, so you’ll never been caught with having a flat battery and a door that doesn’t open or close!

Installation Made Easy:

Installing the Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door is a breeze, thanks to the comprehensive fitting instructions provided. It's crucial to follow these instructions diligently, ensuring the correct placement of the door on the coop. The manufacturer emphasises leaving a 2-inch gap from the base of the coop as this prevents dirt, debris, and moisture from accumulating at the base of the door, reducing the risk of damage to the door mechanism. I’d still recommend ensuring that the channel at the base of the door is clear each day.

Efficient Automation:

One of the standout features of the Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door is its automation capabilities. The door is equipped with a reliable timer and light sensor, allowing for seamless opening and closing based on your preferred schedule or the natural light conditions. This feature not only ensures the safety of your hens but also saves you the hassle of manually managing the coop door daily. Although, there is a manual option if you choose to control when your hens make an appearance.

Overall this is a really handy, lovely looking automatic door that will save you a lot of hassel in the mornings and evenings. It’s really simple and easy to use and it’s bright colours will bring joy to your coop and more vitally, keep your hens nice and safe from predators!

It's time to name your chickens!

Choosing the perfect names for your feathered friends can be a delightful and amusing task. Whether you're a seasoned poultry enthusiast or a first-time chicken keeper, giving your hens unique and endearing names adds a personal touch to your flock. In this blog post, we'll explore some creative ideas and provide a list of the top 20 names for chickens that will leave you clucking with joy.

Tips for Naming Your Hens:

1. Observation is Key: Spend time observing your hens' personalities, behaviors, and physical characteristics. Are they curious, shy, or perhaps a bit mischievous? Tailoring names to their individual traits can make the naming process more meaningful.

2. Consider Their Appearance: Take note of your chickens' colors, patterns, and unique features. Naming them based on physical attributes can be a fun and fitting way to celebrate their distinct appearances.

3. Inspiration from Nature: Look to nature for inspiration. Whether it's the color of their feathers or their energetic antics, nature offers a plethora of ideas for creative names.

4. Wordplay and Puns: Don't shy away from clever wordplay and puns. Chickens are known for their amusing behaviors, and a witty name can add a touch of humor to your flock.

5. Personal Interests: Infuse your personal interests into the naming process. Whether you're a history buff, a movie lover, or a foodie, finding names related to your hobbies can be both entertaining and unique.

Our top 20 Chicken Names:

1. Henrietta

2. Nugget

3. Eggatha Christie

4. Princess Layer

5. Dolly Part-Hen

6. Ginger

7. Chick Jagger

8. Hen Solo

9. Henjamin Franklin

10. Pecky Blinders

11. Mabel

12. Cluck Norris

13. Penny

14. Lady Cluck

15. Betty

16. Chickaletta

17. Drumstick

18. Noodle

19. Gladys

20. Chicken Little

Naming your hens can be a delightful and personal experience. By observing their unique traits and drawing inspiration from various sources, you can come up with names that perfectly suit each member of your flock. Whether you go for clever wordplay or references to your favorite celebrities, the key is to have fun and celebrate the individuality of each feathered friend in your coop. Happy naming!

Pullet Eggs: A Culinary Exploration

When it comes to eggs, the culinary landscape is vast and varied. One often overlooked gem in the world of eggs is the pullet egg. These petite wonders may be small in size, but they pack a flavourful punch that captivates chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

1. Petite Perfection:

Pullet eggs are the first eggs laid by young hens, typically around 18 to 24 weeks of age. Their diminutive size, smaller than traditional chicken eggs, holds a charm that immediately sets them apart. These little eggs may be small, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in flavour.

2. Intense Flavour Profile:

Don't let their size fool you—pullet hen eggs boast a robust and concentrated flavour. The yolks are known for their deep golden hue and a richness that elevates any dish they grace. The whites, though smaller in volume, are thick and luscious, contributing to a velvety texture in both sweet and savoury applications.

3. Culinary Versatility:

Pullet eggs lend themselves well to a myriad of culinary creations. Their intense flavour makes them a standout choice for dishes where the egg is the star. Think of indulgent custards, luxurious sauces, or decadent desserts where the egg flavour shines through. Their petite size is also perfect for dainty appetisers and intricate pastry work.

4. The Perfect Pairing:

Pairing pullet eggs with complementary flavours is a culinary adventure in itself. Try them with delicate herbs, truffle oil, or mild cheeses to enhance their natural richness. Their distinct flavor can also stand up to more robust companions like smoked salmon or earthy mushrooms, creating a harmonious balance that excites the palate.

5. Culinary Creativity Unleashed:

Chefs and home cooks alike have been embracing the creative possibilities that pullet eggs bring to the kitchen. From stunning miniature soufflés to elegant pasta dishes adorned with a perfectly poached pullet egg, these little wonders allow culinary imagination to run wild.

6. Sourcing Excellence:

For those in search of pullet eggs, it's essential to find a reliable source that prioritises the well-being of the hens and the quality of the eggs. Local farms and ethical producers often offer the best options, ensuring that you're not only getting a delightful culinary experience but also supporting sustainable and humane practices.

Pullet eggs are a hidden treasure in the culinary world. Their petite size, intense flavour, and culinary versatility make them a delightful addition to any kitchen. Whether you're a professional chef looking to impress with intricate dishes or a home cook eager to elevate your culinary creations, exploring the delicate allure of pullet hen eggs is a journey well worth taking.