The Wilkin family have been farming at Tiptree in Essex since 1757 and making quality preserves there since 1885. The family grow a range of traditional English fruits and use them to make conserves and condiments in their factory by the farm. The farm is LEAF Marque accredited (Linking Environment And Farming), recognising how they work sympathetically with the environment and encourage links with their local community. Every member of staff is part of a share ownership scheme, giving each a keen interest in the future of the business.

Fruit crops grown at the farm include strawberries, raspberries, mulberries, Morello cherries, rhubarb, damson, Victoria plum, greengage, quince, and the curious medlar.

During this CLA visit you will see the sustainable intensive fruit farming process in action. You will hear about the method of growing strawberries at scale, along with the challenges of labour, pest control and disease. You will learn about the water system at the farm and how a solar project supports power to the factory.

A visit to the Tiptree Jam Museum is included in the day where visitors can see how the art of preserve making has advanced over the years at Tiptree. The family has a growing estate of quintessentially English tea rooms and guests will enjoy a famous Tiptree afternoon tea at lunch.

This visit is by kind permission of the Wilkin family.


ITINERARY
9.00am Registration and refreshments 
9.30am Essex Branch AGM, update from a CLA Officer and welcome from Joint MD Chris Newenham
10.30am Tour of the farm and fruit growing process followed by a visit to the museum 
12.30pm Lunch in the Tiptree Tea Room garden marquee
2.00pm Depart

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please park in the overflow car park.  Please wear appropriate clothing for a farm visit.

HOW TO BOOK?

To book a place at this CLA event please click book now.

For more information please call 01638 590429 or email the East office via east@cla.org.uk.