A family-run West Wight farm is bucking the Island-wide trend of dairy decline by launching a new micro dairy – becoming 1 of just 5 remaining dairy farms on the Isle of Wight.
Warren Farm, near Alum Bay, has returned to milk production this Spring after nearly 25 years away from the dairy industry. The move marks a significant step against the backdrop of falling dairy numbers on the Isle of Wight over the past couple of decades.
Husband and wife team James Osman and Becca Hesketh are behind the venture, bringing back dairy cows to the farm that has long focused on livestock grazing and habitat restoration. Their aim is to supply the local community with high-welfare, sustainably produced milk.
James has said:
“There is a rich history of dairy farming at Warren Farm, with my father previously running a dairy here for over 35 years. He also ran a milk round, delivering milk to local customers.
“Unfortunately, the economic pressures of dairy farming, especially here on the Island, has seen many farms move away from dairy production. So, we are really excited to be able to be bucking this trend and bringing dairy cows back to Warren Farm to start producing milk again.
“We are really grateful for the support from our landlords, the National Trust, and also the Isle of Wight National Landscape, who have helped fund the project via the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme.”
The couple sourced a small herd of pedigree Jersey cows from a local Brighstone farm that recently ceased milk production. Many of the cows’ bloodlines can be traced back to Queen Victoria’s Jersey herd.
Warren Farm’s approach is rooted in traditional dairy methods, updated with a focus on sustainability and welfare. Their new ‘Micro Dairy’ will milk fewer than 20 cows and run a ‘cow and calf’ system – meaning calves remain with their mothers and cows are milked once daily.
The milk is processed on site, where it is gently pasteurised and bottled in reusable glass bottles. It is unhomogenised, allowing the cream to rise naturally.
Becca has explained:
“At Warren Farm, we farm with organic and regenerative principles in mind. This means we use no artificial fertilisers or pesticides, whilst aiming to improve the soils and harness the power of grazing animals to protect the habitats surrounding the farm.
“As a core pillar of our farming approach, we really prioritise the welfare of our animals. Through running our dairy as a ‘cow and calf’ system, we can keep our calves with their mothers to be reared as naturally as possible. Our co-milking system means that we only milk the cows once in the morning, with the calves drinking from their mothers for the rest of the day.”
Oliver Cooper, Senior Estate Manager at the National Trust, Isle of Wight, has said:
“We’re delighted to support Warren Farm’s inspiring return to dairy farming on the Isle of Wight. This project reflects the National Trust’s commitment to sustainable land management that benefits nature, animals and local communities.
“By adopting regenerative practices and prioritising animal welfare, James and Becca are not only preserving the Island’s rich agricultural heritage but also helping to restore valuable habitats around the farm.”
Warren Farm milk is now available from the farm’s own shop, as well as at Orchard Bros, Hazelgrove Farm Shop, Nunwell Farm Kitchen and The Needles Park. The team is in discussions with other local outlets and has plans to launch new dairy products in the coming year.
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it will take more than a few bottles of milk to keep them
at bay.