Worstead Estate

Worstead Estate, which connects into the small village of Smallburgh, have ambitious plans to explore the diversification of their extensive estate. This will help them to create long term sustainability, and generate new income streams, but also make a valuable contribution to local people and supporting fledgling enterprises. They are achieving this through a range of activities such as the establishment of a venue for weddings and events, as well as offering visitors opportunities for short-term lets and holidays.

Key to the Estate’s future is the development of estate partnerships in their farm buildings, where they have created a home for small micro businesses to work together. These include the well-known Wildcraft Brewery and Bunns Farm Meats, selling heritage Highland beef. All their businesses support one another through a circular economy model. Worstead Estate grows the barley for the brewery. The spent grains and straw are fed to the Highland cattle, and their organic manure helps to fertilise the following crops, combining a simple natural cycle while utilising the economic value.

Their latest investment was to support a monthly farmers’ market which showcases their partners, as well as the finest in fresh local produce; supporting local businesses and providing a place to shop and browse for locals and visitors alike. All the businesses benefits from the operation of the farmers’ market as a visitor destination. Wildcraft Brewery has also benefitted from visitors using their taproom and café. Other small-scale producers and craftspeople in the area also have the opportunity to sell their produce and goods. Customers have valued being able to buy local produce and products with low food miles.

The market is now held in a striking Norfolk-red brick barn at Church Farm, Smallburgh where a group of stallholders attend regularly, with additional guest stalls bringing a mix of new produce. With support from North Norfolk District Council and funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), Worstead Estate were able to deliver the infrastructure to support this development. The farmers’ market, held on the third Saturday of each month has grown rapidly. The Estate now attracts near approximately 60+ stalls every month for the farmers’ market with visitors numbers growing every month. Worstead Estate and the farmers’ market is easily accessible with bus routes and stops nearby as well as walking, cycling and even horse-riding trails.