Shepherds Farm Shop Claimed

Maria Robinson

Marnhull, Dorset

We moved to our North Dorset Council Farm in 2015, having been Council Tenants already for 4 years on a smaller farm just 6 miles away.  We rear beef cattle, goats and lambs, and have our own breeding flock.  Since moving to the farm we had always wanted to have a farm shop in the redundant milking parlour, initially my husbands untidy workshop (!) and now my gorgeous farm shop, which I opened in June 2021.  

I had previously been a nurse for 20 years, and since COVID had the desire to make the farm shop a reality rather than just a dream.  The main aim for the farm shop was to be able to stock our own meat and also to stock as many local products as possible.  Dorset is a County that has a vast amount of suppliers who source tasty and fresh products and make them in to fantastic products, all of which I am so proud to be able to stock in the farm shop. Meeting my suppliers not only allows me to share their story with my customers, but also to taste the product too!

Our farm shop is rustic and friendly, has parking outside and you can even bring your dog to the shop and tie them up outside as they have their own hoop and you can watch each other as you shop! We have a small seating area outside which if nice weather customers can enjoy a cream tea, bacon roll, a slice or two of cake, a hot or cold drink, or a local beer or cider.  But if the sun is not out, we can provide a takeaway so you can then enjoy them when you get home.  Our aim for this year is to provide a little more seating, a bike rack for cycle clubs to feel able to have a most needed refreshment mid route, and to increase our range of local goodies.

I am constantly researching new products to line the shelves, providing a good variety and selection to my customers is really important to me.  At Christmas time, we take pre-orders for meat and turkeys and have real local Christmas trees, where you have time in one of our barns to choose your tree at leisure. Last year we had baby calves, goat kids and lambs for children to see and stroke which we had great feed back from and something we hope to do again this year.  

I can make up a hamper to suit any budget at any time of the year, with very short notice, with a great choice of colours, which you can either fill yourself with products from the shop, or for the contents to be chosen by myself.  Simply pop in to discuss! We also do Gift Vouchers of any denomination too, so the lucky person can visit the shop and chose their products for themselves. I look forward to seeing you soon!