Image credit David Wright (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Birdseed_Market_Stall,_Wrawby_Street,_Brigg_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1725948.jpg)
Beautiful and accessible countryside has always been at the heart of CPRE’s mission, but so has 'living' countryside. That means paying attention to the economic needs of our county, as well as the appropriate housing development, transport links and community needs of those who live in it.
Are you one of the myriad businesses and organisations that support successful, sustainable rural communities through either your services or products? If so, why not promote your enterprise on our new on line directory, free of charge?
For many living in rural communities, making a living from the countryside either directly or indirectly is their business, from selling fruit, vegetables, animal or bird feed, seeds or agricultural equipment, through to country vets, farriers, equestrian centres, ecologists, plant nurseries, artisans or providers of rural accommodation and countryside pursuits.
All sorts of businesses play a part in creating a thriving rural economy, one that creates jobs; develops skills or keeps rustic ancient ways alive; or encourages people to enjoy the great outdoors by visiting rural heritage sites, cycling, walking, or staying in a B&B.
It’s easy to underestimate the size of the rural economy but according to a recent report from the National Farmers Union, for example, the value of the food chain in the Fens is £3.1 billion and the Fens produce 33% of England’s fresh vegetables. What’s more, horticulture in our region accounts for 21% of the bulbs and flowers grown in England. We already have a section here on our website where businesses can advertise their local food products and we are now expanding that offering to a more diverse range of rural enterprises.
So ask yourself: does your business do any of this...
- Use the countryside to supply products (e.g. horticulture)
- Supply the countryside (farm shops/feed stores, tack, veterinary, equipment)
- Promote the countryside (sustainable tourism, activities, accommodation, heritage)
- Support the countryside (ecology, nature, wildlife)
- Take inspiration from the countryside (artists, studios, artisans, rustic workshops)
If the answer is ‘yes’, please send your details (including trading name, website, and email), and a logo to office@cprecambs.org.uk. We will upload them to our directory, free of charge.
Useful Links
Clean My Binz – Wheelie Bin Cleaning, Soham
Clean My Binz offer an environmentally friendly, professional cleaning, sanitising and deodorising service. Bins are jet washed with recycled water leaving them odour free and smelling fresh.
Simon Stirrup, Wildlife Photographer
Simon Stirrup is a Cambridgeshire-based wildlife photographer specialising mainly in birds, although his portfolio also includes mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, plants and some landscapes too. Framed and unframed prints are available to buy.
http://www.simonstirrup.co.uk/
FieldMouse Research
FieldMouse Research finds participants in rural areas for market research. They champion the fair representation of rural, regional and rarely-heard voices in all market research.
T: 07487 510407
Monach Farm
Monach Farm is a traditional livestock farm offering both stock and meat. It also has a farm shop and a riding school welcoming people of all abilities and those with challenges.
The farm also runs events throughout the year – see the Facebook page for details.
The Green, Hilton, PE28 9NB
T: 07483 147218
Mike Overall, Blacksmith
Mike Overall is a traditional blacksmith based in Cottenham offering a wide range of products and services.
The Forge, Twenty Pence Road, Cottenham CB24 8PP
G & J Peck Ltd
G & J Peck Ltd is a privately owned agricultural machinery distributor operating from five depots, two of which are in Cambridgeshire, in Ely (Head Office) and Ramsey St Mary. The Ely depot also includes a garden machinery centre and a hardware store.
Ely: 90 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 3NX
T: 01353 664515
Ramsey St Mary: 456A Herne Road, Ramsey St Mary’s, Cambridgeshire PE26 2TJ
T: 01733 844642
See website for e-mail contacts and opening times.
Standen Engineering Ltd
Standen Engineering Limited, an independent privately owned company, is a manufacturer of Standen Potato Systems and Standen Powavator Rotary Tillers which are sold directly and through a UK and international dealer network.
Hereward Works, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4BP
T: 01353 661111
Fenman Pest Control
http://www.fenmanpestcontrol.co.uk/
Established in 2011, Fenman Pest Control is an Ely-based pest and vermin control service.
E: fenmanpestcontrol@hotmail.co.uk
Barcham – the tree specialists
Barcham is Europe’s largest tree specialist, growing over 200,000 instant impact trees near Ely.
Eye Hill Drove, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5XF
T: 01353 720950
Fen Farm Supplies
http://www.fenfarmsupplies.co.uk/
Fen Farm Supplies is a small family run business based in just outside Witcham, near Ely, providing a range of fencing materials including sawn fencing timber, fencing panels, fencing wire and posts.
Fen Farm Supplies, Witcham, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 2LD
E: sales@fenfarmsupplies.co.uk
T: 01353 776126
McVeigh Parker Cambridgeshire - Farm and Fencing Supplies
https://mcveighparker.com/locations/cambridgeshire
Based in Caxton and established in 1979, McVeigh Parker supply agricultural, equestrian or domestic products required in the fencing or farming industry.
80 Ermine St, Caxton, Cambridge, CB23 3PG
T: 01954 714110
Rollins Farm and Country Store
The Brown family has been based at Rollins Farm in Somersham, for nearly 25 years. Rollins is home to a large selection of dog, horse, poultry, waterfowl and small animal products, including bedding, supplements, toys and tools.
Rollins Farm, St Ives Road, Somersham, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 3ET
T: 01487 842282
The Country Store
https://thecountrystore.co.uk/
The Country Store is an independent family business supplying pet foods, country clothing and equipment for country sports.
Unit 12a Sawston Trade Park, London Road, Pampisford, Cambridge CB22 3EE
T: 01223 837977
Ibbetts
Founded in 1851 and based in Great Paxton, Ibbetts is a family run business providing agricultural and garden machinery sales and service.
River Lane, Great Paxton, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 6RD
T: 01480 473452
Two Pots Farm
Based in Dry Drayton, Two Pots Farm is a small, traditional, family-run arable farm, supplying chicken coops/poultry housing (and other general animal and pet housing), animal feeds, and selling home-bred chickens and hatching eggs.
St Neots Road, Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshire CB23 8BE
Thurlow Nunn Standen
With branches based in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire (head office in Littleport), TNS is a family-run business providing new and used agricultural machinery, servicing and parts.
Wisbech Road, Littleport, Cambridgeshire CB6 1RA
T: 01353 863038
Isle Soap Co
A family-run small business based in Sutton in the Isle, Ely, making hand-made vegan soaps created in small batches using natural ingredients.
Haddenham Arts Centre
https://www.haddenhamartscentre.org.uk/
Haddenham Arts Centre is a cultural hub that uses the Arts to enrich people’s lives by providing access to high quality art and artistic skills. Exhibitions and workshops throughout the year, café and gift shop.
20 High Street, Ely, CB6 3XA
E: arts@haddenhamartscentre.org.uk
T: 01353 749188
