Sustainability

Long before there were buzz-words and phrases such as sustainability and renewables; and when such things as carbon foot-print were unheard of, Cracknell's Farm had green credentials, only back then it was it was called being thrifty, with plenty of made-do and mend. Eileen & Tony were born into that war-time generation which knew how to value every resource, an ethos which has stayed with us throughout the farm's history, including those decades when it was not 'fashionable' to be careful with resources. The following might be of interest:

Solar Power
In addition to solar panels on our house, the main farm building also holds solar panels. Unproductive spaces being put to good use. We are keen to use, and to generate renewable energy.

Wood-chip Boiler
'Jeff's baby' is a large wood-chip boiler is used to heat and provide hot water for two homes, underfloor heating for our chick house, and ample hot water for our processing unit.

Borehole Water
The animals drink water which has been pumped up from beneath the farm. Sheds are washed out using borehole water too. The water is regularly tested to make sure it is pure and complies to all the relevant standards.

Coppice
Several acres of short-rotation willow plants are grown to coppice. These can be 'chipped' and fed into our boiler or sold on locally for basket-making and thatching. This managed wilderness area of the farm is a wonderful haven for insects and wildlife. The new term for this is re-wilding.

Organic Soya
Whilst the organic soya costs more, we believe it is the best way to feed our poultry. None of our animals have genetically modified feed or routine medication.

Bedding from Waste
The chicken are reared on sawdust which is a waste product from a local furniture maker. This resource has just the right properties as an excellent poultry bedding.

Plastics
Plastic use does not feature heavily, but what little there is collected, cleaned and regularly recycled.

Carbon Footprint
Our birds stay on the farm from day-old to oven-ready. The only footprints they leave is a bit of scratching about in the grass.

Local Market
We are often asked why we don't sell online. Apart from the handicap of not being technically minded, we see our product as a local one. We value being able to meet our customers in person.

Floods
Being on the Somerset Levels means that we have several acres of land under water most winters. This is a natural occurrence which helps safeguard nearby homes from flooding. We have found that thirsty cricket-bat willows survive quite well around the edges of these fields.

Community
Those who help out on the farm live nearby. Local jobs are an asset to the community even when those jobs are part-time or seasonal.
Nearby primary schools love it when Jeff takes chicks or a lamb in for the children to see.
The nearby Huish Academy use our fields for cross-country running.

Making and Mending
Whilst Jeff would not describe himself as a carpenter, plumber, electrician or master builder, over the years he has acquired enough skills to have a go at most jobs on the farm, including welding. It is satisfying to mend something properly and the variety of tasks makes his job an interesting one, why throw something out when it can be repurposed or renewed.