Crambe Grange Farm, near Malton: In the diversity fast lane to ensure bright future
For many farms, the days purely being all about arable and livestock are in the past, with many farmers realising that diversification is the key to sustaining their future.
Crambe Grange Farm in the heart of the Howardian Hills has moved with the times and its offer includes a farm shop and even a bespoke floral design service.
And now the farm, near Malton, has launched its new ‘Farm to Fork’ digital platform.
The website (www.crambegrangefarm.co.uk) offers local residents unprecedented access to high-quality, sustainable farm produce, bridging the gap between the fields of North Yorkshire and the kitchen tables of the community.
The launch was timed to coincide with the inaugural Helmsley and The Howardian Hills Restaurant Week at the end of last month which saw the region celebrate its status as one of the UK’s premier food destinations.
“We believe that good food should delight the people who enjoy it while respecting the land and animals it comes from,” said a spokesperson for the farm.
“Our new website allows us to share our passion for sustainable farming directly with our neighbours. Whether it’s our seasonal lamb boxes, farm-fresh eggs, or homegrown vegetables, we want to make it easier for people to eat locally and seasonally.”
Beyond the plate, Crambe Grange Farm is also making waves in the world of floral design.
The farm is home to a bespoke floristry service led by the award-winning Charlotte Foster-Lill. A local talent through and through, Charlotte was educated at The Mount School York before honing her horticultural expertise at Askham Bryan College, York.
Charlotte’s creative flair has gained national recognition; she was recently awarded the prestigious ‘Best in Show’ at the Harrogate Flower Show, where judges praised her innovative and distinctive designs.
Specialising in weddings and bespoke events, Charlotte utilises materials grown directly on the farm to create unique, seasonal arrangements that reflect the natural beauty of the Howardian Hills.
“Growing our own flowers here at Crambe Grange allows for a level of freshness and sustainability that you simply can’t find elsewhere,” said Ms Foster-Lill.
“From the first seed to the final bridal bouquet, every arrangement tells a story of our landscape.”
The new website serves as a one-stop-shop for both the farm’s premium produce and Ms Foster-Lill’s floral services.
Visitors can sign up for the farm’s newsletter to receive first access to seasonal boxes and stay updated on the farm’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and "dark sky" conservation.
The family run farm is built on a simple belief: good food should delight the people who enjoy it, respect the animals who help produce it, and protect the land that sustains us all, said a spokesman.
"Every day, we work with care, commitment, and a genuine passion for farming that puts quality and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.
"We are proud to farm sustainably, always looking for ways to support the long-term health of our soil, wildlife, and landscape.
"We’re not perfect but we are always learning and striving to do better. Our goal is to create an environment where plants, animals, and people can thrive together.”