FOOD+DRINK
L-R - Frank, Wilf, Mark and John
the remarkable
Broadditch Farm
For centuries past, working farms played an integral part in the
economy and workforce, particularly in rural communities that
heavily relied on crop rotation and livestock. And for Southfleet and
its neighbouring villages, it's Broadditch Farm that has long provided
this requisite source. Six generations strong and showing no sign
of slowing down, this local institution is unwavering in its push for
provenance, and today, sells its own freshly grown produce in its
onsite farm shop. BY GEMMA DUNN
Frank driving the farm's first
combine harvester, 1949
Wilf driving a Ford Dexter tractor, early 1950s
A lifelong local resident, Broadditch has always
been on my radar – spanning from buying goods
in its farm shop this present day to frequent (and
excitable) childhood ice cream trips, which still
remains the stuff of nostalgic memories. Brimming
with character, it's a special place for many, but
none more so than the Harris family – its enduring
proprietors.
Since moving to the 500-acre farm on New Barn
Road in 1848, having previously farmed in
Bedfordshire, the Harris' have proved pioneering
in their techniques and forward thinking. As 5th
generation brothers, Wilf and Frank, recall, their
father purchased the first combine harvester for
miles around in 1949. Having both worked on
the farm since leaving school in the 1940s
(alongside their father), and taking over officially
in 1968, it's fair to say this duo are incredibly
experienced in the trade.
Today, Wilf's sons and sixth generation Harris',
John and Mark, run the farm, which has evolved
from its traditional roots – growing hops, apples,
vegetables, and housing cattle – to a regime that
supports a fully stocked farm shop, hosts
successful seasonal events, leads school visits,
and more.
Broadditch Farm Shop – the main recipient of
the fruits of their labour – was established in
1990, and will celebrate its 25th anniversary this
May with a special tasting event on 23rd-24th.
Expanded in 2000, after selling one of the farm's
barns to Shepherd Neame (now known as Manor
Farm Barn), the shop now affords a larger floor
space, preparation room, and first-floor offices
to accommodate the back-of-house team.
Channelling the philosophy: 'reduce your food
miles, so your food tastes miles better', the farm
shop pledges to supply fresh homegrown and
harvested produce direct from its surrounding
fields. In addition to cropping 230 acres of wheat,
70 acres of oilseed rape, 65 acres of barley, and
40 acres of beans, flavoursome potatoes and a
wide selection of vegetables are grown especially
for the shop, which all benefit from no added
water or irrigation. In fact, in 2001, Broadditch
joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme,
which encourages farmers to create and preserve
one's natural habitat. Since, having progressed
onto the higher level, John and Mark continue
to protect and honour this achievement.
In addition to its farm-grown fare, the shop
supports various local producers, stocking meat
from Glover's Farm and Harvel House Farm;
homemade pies from Real Pie Co.; cheese from
Cheeseworks; eggs from Barradale; cakes from
Country Cakes and Plaxtol Bakery; fresh bread
from The Granary, and much more. In a bid to
offer a one-stop-shop, seasonal gifts and unique
greeting cards are also now available.
The brothers' desire to branch out and offer the
customer a multi-site experience is an idea that
also extends to the farm's decision to run yearround seasonal events. From Easter and summer
to Halloween and Christmas goings-on, its
popular events are a huge deal and provide
75
unique and entertaining family days out. Perhaps
best loved is its Halloween Hauntfest, which
attracts hoards of visitors every year, and has
been nominated for five awards at the 2015
ScareCON Annual Recognition Awards (SCARs).
Kent is peppered with farm buildings that have
been converted into shops and delis, and packed
imaginatively with honest foods, but amid
expansion of the supermarket chains and a
recession, today these shops have even more
relevance. As Broadditch Farm advocates, the
focus should be on understanding where our
food comes from, supporting local, and taking
pride in our consumption – just like the British
farmers do that provide us with the goods.
Hats off to the insight and hard work the Harris’
have put in and continue to put into our
community. And in a day when it's uncommon
to find a profession with so many generations
from one family devoted to it, doesn't it just make
Broadditch Farm that bit more special. I certainly
think so!
Broadditch Farm Shop
Manor Farm
New Barn Road
Southfleet
Gravesend
DA13 9PU
www.broadditch.co.uk
@broadditchfarm