buy british food – The Extra Mile

Posted on 13/10/202513/10/2025 by The Extra Mile

Coast and marine charities in The Coastal Café Guide

Coastal cafés with a conscience: how The Coastal Café Guide supports a cleaner, wilder coastline

The Coastal Café Guide is a celebration of the places that make Britain’s shoreline so special. Think about the independent cafés tucked behind dunes, perched on harboursides, or tucked away in fishing villages. Within its pages you’ll find over 150 cafés and beach shacks serving freshly caught fish, home-baked cakes, and sea-view coffee with a conscience.

The book is also about something bigger than good food. It’s about caring for the coast itself: the sealife, wildlife, beaches, and people that bring these unique fringes of our island to life. A percentage of every copy sold is donated to Surfers Against Sewage, a charity whose work endeavours to protect our seas and communities from water pollution, plastic pollution, and climate change.

Alongside this, the book shines a light on 11 other inspiring charities and organisations that help protect the ocean, restore nature, and keep our coastlines wild and welcoming. They remind us that sustainable, local cafés and coastal conservation go hand in hand, for without thriving seas, there can be no thriving coastal communities.

Charities helping us protect and celebrate our seas and coasts

Alongside its donations to Surfers Against Sewage, a charity whose aims are outlined below, The Coastal Café Guide is proud to highlight the work of a network of like-minded charitable organisations that share a passion for cleaner coasts, more sustainable seafood, and safer waters.

Surfers Against Sewage

A grassroots movement turned national charity, Surfers Against Sewage campaigns to end sewage spills, reduce ocean plastic, and hold polluters to account. Their End Sewage Pollution campaign and Million Mile Clean bring thousands of volunteers together each year to restore Britain’s beaches and waterways. (Staff here attended one of their flagship events in 2025: our local Paddle Out Protest in Weston-super-Mare’s Marine Lake: part of a national day of activism.)

RNLI

Since it was founded 200 years ago this year, the RNLI has saved tens of thousands lives at sea. Its crews of volunteer lifeboat heroes protect everyone who enjoys the coast, from surfers and swimmers to fisherfolk and sailors, while promoting water safety education in every coastal community.

Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) works to keep our seafood sustainable. The MSC blue label on fish and shellfish helps shoppers and chefs know that their meal has been responsibly caught, safeguarding marine life and fishing livelihoods for the future.

Marine Conservation Society

The Marine Conservation Society campaigns for cleaner seas and sustainable seafood. From beach cleans to citizen science and policy change, its work protects habitats, reduces pollution, and empowers people to take action for ocean health.

Outdoor Swimming Society

The Outdoor Swimming Society celebrates the joy and freedom of wild swimming. Its community of swim pioneers encourages safe, respectful and environmentally conscious dips in open water, connecting people deeply with the natural world.

The Ramblers, and the England Coast Path

The Ramblers are the guardians of walking routes across Britain. Their work on the England Coast Path, which will be the longest managed coastal trail in the world, ensures that everyone can explore, enjoy and protect our stunning shoreline.

South West Coast Path Association

The South West Coast Path Association maintains one of Britain’s most beloved trails, stretching 630 miles around the peninsula. Their volunteers care for paths, signage and landscapes that link so many of the cafés featured in The Coastal Café Guide.

The Wave Project

The Wave Project transforms young lives through surf therapy. By combining the power of the ocean with mentoring and community, it helps children and teenagers improve confidence, wellbeing and their connection to the sea.

The Finisterre Foundation

The Finisterre Foundation, created by the sustainable clothing brand Finisterre, supports grassroots ocean and coastal projects, from cold-water swimming initiatives to marine conservation and gear donation schemes for those in need.

John Muir Trust

Named after the pioneering conservationist, the John Muir Trust protects and restores wild places across the UK. Their education and rewilding projects inspire people to connect with the natural world and care for wild landscapes, coasts and mountains alike.

National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland safeguards historic and natural sites, including many of the country’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Its stewardship ensures that beaches, cliffs and islands remain places of inspiration and access for everyone.

Open Seas

Open Seas is concerned with protecting our marine environment and the things that live in it. They run campaigns and initiatives designed to see more fish and shellfish caught more sustainably, and they promote sustainable alternatives to damaging fishing.

City to Sea

The City to Sea movement tackles plastic pollution at its source. From refill schemes to reusable period products, they empower individuals and businesses to stop waste before it reaches rivers and oceans.

Buy The Coastal Café Guide: dive into these charities

Printslinger will donate 1% of book sales to Surfers Against Sewage. So whether buying a copy of The Coastal Café Guide for yourself or as a birthday or Christmas gift for someone who loves buying local food and supporting fairer food and fishing, know you’re giving a gift with a conscience. To learn more about this book and our other foodie titles, visit our online bookshop on the button below.

Posted on 12/10/202513/10/2025 by The Extra Mile

The Wildlife Trusts in The Farm Shop Guide

Baby hedgehog image to go with Wildlife Trusts information

Bringing nature back: The Wildlife Trusts in focus

At the heart of The Farm Shop Guide lies a simple idea: that food should be good for people, good for farmers, and good for the planet. This beautifully designed book celebrates the best farm shops, producers and food destinations across the UK – places where local food and sustainable farming come together.

But The Farm Shop Guide isn’t just about where to shop. It’s about supporting a better food system. That’s why a percentage of every book sold is donated to the Sustainable Food Trust, a pioneering charity working to make farming in Britain more regenerative, nature-friendly and fair for all.

The Wildlife Trusts' activities and campaigns

At The Farm Shop Guide, we believe that good food and good farming depend on a healthy, thriving natural world. That’s why in this post we turn the spotlight to The Wildlife Trusts. This group of charities makes up one of the most powerful and far-reaching networks in the UK working to restore, protect and reconnect nature.

The Farm Shop Guide is committed to showcasing their work, amplifying their voice, and helping readers understand just how central nature is to the food system.

The Wildlife Trusts are a federation of 46 independent local organisations across the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney, (beneath the umbrella of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts ). Collectively, they manage more than 2,600 nature reserves, amounting to nearly 98,500 ha of land dedicated to wildlife.

Strategic vision and campaigns

Their guiding strategy, Bringing Nature Back 2030, sets out an ambition to reverse biodiversity loss by combining local action with collective scale. Key elements of their work include restoring habitat connectivity, amplifying efforts across land and sea, and engaging communities as agents of change.

One of their flagship projects is 30 Days Wild, a month-long annual challenge in June that invites people to do ‘one wild thing’ each day, whether that’s birdwatching, planting a wildflower, or simply listening to nightingales. In 2025, they’ve already used this ethos to prompt people to ‘move like wildlife’: walking, cycling, and dancing more in and with nature.

Another high-profile moment in 2025 was National Marine Week, (which happened from 26 July to 10 August in 2025). This event celebrates the richness and vulnerability of the UK’s seas, from reefs to seagrasses, through local events and social media campaigns.

The Wildlife Trusts are also pressing the government on policy fronts: for instance, The Wildlife Trusts have voiced concern over the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill, warning that current drafts risk weakening protections for habitats under restoration, especially peatlands and ancient woods.

The organisation argue that loopholes in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) proposals could undermine genuine nature recovery unless tightened.

Land acquisitions and flagship projects

In 2024, The Wildlife Trusts made a landmark move by acquiring a large portion of the Rothbury estate in Northumberland: one of the biggest private land purchases in decades. They intend to restore degraded lands, overlay regenerative farming, and open it to public access. This project could become a national showcase of nature-first land management, integrating wildlife recovery and sustainable agriculture.

Looking ahead to 2026

Between 2025 and 2030, The Wildlife Trusts aim to expand their ‘30 by 30‘ campaign (securing at least 30 % of land and sea for nature recovery) and scale up their habitat restoration efforts, especially in uplands, peatlands, rivers and marine zones.

We can expect stronger advocacy on land-use reforms, tighter planning protections for nature, and further growth of flagship projects like Rothbury.

For readers of The Farm Shop Guide, The Wildlife Trusts’ work is deeply relevant. Farmers and landowners are essential actors in landscape-scale nature recovery. For food production and farming to be truly sustainable, that is to say low in carbon and rich in biodiversity, we need farms and nature to be partners, not rivals. By promoting the work of The Wildlife Trusts, we hope more people see that connection.

Support The Wildlife Trusts today

To learn more about and to become a supporter or member of your local Wildlife Trust, which will have many programmes and projects for you to get involved with or volunteer on, visit The Wildlife Trusts today to get started.

Other food and farming charities in The Farm Shop Guide

Alongside its support for The Wildlife Trusts, The Farm Shop Guide proudly promotes a network of like-minded organisations that share a passion for sustainable farming, wildlife, soil health and local food.

The Sustainable Food Trust

A charity working globally and locally to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable food and farming systems.

Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF)

Encouraging integrated, practical approaches to farming that balance productivity with care for the environment.

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN)

Uniting farmers who show that profitable food production and thriving biodiversity can go hand in hand.

The Biodynamic Association

Championing holistic farming rooted in ecology, soil health and respect for natural rhythms.

Buglife

Protecting pollinators and other vital insects essential to healthy food systems and biodiversity.

The Farm Retail Association (FRA)

Supporting Britain’s farm shops, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own businesses – the backbone of local food.

RSPB Fair to Nature

Recognising farms that deliver for wildlife through sustainable and biodiversity-friendly practices.

The Permaculture Association

Promoting design systems for sustainable living and regenerative food production.

The Royal Countryside Fund

Founded by HM King Charles III to support rural communities, family farms and a thriving countryside.

The Soil Association

Leading the movement for organic food, healthy soil and better animal welfare.

OF&G Organic

Certifying organic farmers and growers to ensure integrity and transparency in food production.

Better Food Traders

Connecting ethical food retailers and encouraging short, fair and climate-friendly supply chains.

Pasture for Life

Supporting farms that raise animals entirely on grass for better flavour, welfare and environmental impact.

A guidebook for people who want fairer food systems

Printslinger will donate 1% of book sales of The Farm Shop Guide to the Sustainable Food Trust. So whether buying a copy of The Farm Shop Guide for yourself or as a birthday or Christmas gift for someone who loves buying local food and supporting fairer food and farming, The Farm Shop Guide will not let you down. To learn more about this book and our other foodie titles, visit our online bookshop on the button below.

Posted on 11/10/202513/10/2025 by The Extra Mile

The Sustainable Food Trust

How The Farm Shop Guide supports the Sustainable Food Trust and champions better British food

The Sustainable Food Trust: building a better food system

The Sustainable Food Trust (SFT) works globally and in the UK to accelerate the shift toward farming systems that are regenerative, equitable and nature-friendly.

Key programmes and campaigns

Sustainable livestock: SFT campaigns for livestock to be managed as part of regenerative mixed farming systems, not in isolation. It advocates for higher welfare, lower emissions, and integration with soil and biodiversity goals.
True-cost accounting: one of their flagship ideas is to make visible the hidden ‘external costs’ of food (e.g. pollution, biodiversity loss, health impacts), so that sustainable farms are rewarded rather than penalised.
Local abattoirs and shorter supply chains: they have long campaigned for supporting small, regional abattoirs and infrastructure, knowing that local butchery capacity is essential for truly local food systems.
Beacon Farms network: SFT runs a Beacon Farms initiative. This is a network of exemplar farms that demonstrate regenerative and sustainable practices, which act as live teaching sites and showcases.
Feeding Britain: this SFT programme explores how we could transform what we farm and eat, to improve health, support nature, reduce emissions and bolster food security.

Recent insight and thought leadership

In late 2024, Patrick Holden (SFT’s founder) published a reflective piece on the future of farming under evolving political pressures, emphasising the tension between what farmers can change and what policy constrains. The SFT also regularly publishes research, commentary, and podcasts on pressing topics in food systems.

Listen to SFT podcasts here.

Looking toward 2026 and beyond

Looking to 2026 and beyond, the SFT’s core work in sustainable livestock, measuring sustainability, true cost accounting, and local systems is set to continue, with a focus on the Beacon Farms network, stronger policy advocacy, and further public communication campaigns. Their work on local abattoirs remains timely, especially as infrastructure pressures grow.

By buying The Farm Shop Guide, readers play a part in this ambition. Your support helps underpin research, advocacy, and farm-scale demonstration projects that show what a healthier, fairer food system can look like.

Celebrating others doing good work

Alongside its support for the Sustainable Food Trust, The Farm Shop Guide proudly promotes a network of like-minded organisations that share a passion for sustainable farming, wildlife, soil health and local food.

The Wildlife Trusts

Protecting nature across the UK, working with farmers to create wildlife-friendly habitats and thriving landscapes.

Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF)

Encouraging integrated, practical approaches to farming that balance productivity with care for the environment.

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN)

Uniting farmers who show that profitable food production and thriving biodiversity can go hand in hand.

The Biodynamic Association

Championing holistic farming rooted in ecology, soil health and respect for natural rhythms.

Buglife

Protecting pollinators and other vital insects essential to healthy food systems and biodiversity.

The Farm Retail Association (FRA)

Supporting Britain’s farm shops, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own businesses – the backbone of local food.

RSPB Fair to Nature

Recognising farms that deliver for wildlife through sustainable and biodiversity-friendly practices.

The Permaculture Association

Promoting design systems for sustainable living and regenerative food production.

The Royal Countryside Fund

Founded by HM King Charles III to support rural communities, family farms and a thriving countryside.

The Soil Association

Leading the movement for organic food, healthy soil and better animal welfare.

OF&G Organic

Certifying organic farmers and growers to ensure integrity and transparency in food production.

Better Food Traders

Connecting ethical food retailers and encouraging short, fair and climate-friendly supply chains.

Pasture for Life

Supporting farms that raise animals entirely on grass for better flavour, welfare and environmental impact.

A guidebook for people who want fairer food systems

Printslinger will donate 1% of book sales to the SFT. So whether buying a copy of The Farm Shop Guide for yourself or as a birthday or Christmas gift for someone who loves buying local food and supporting fairer food and farming, The Farm Shop Guide will not let you down. To learn more about this book and our other foodie titles, visit our online bookshop on the button below.

Posted on 08/10/202507/10/2025 by The Extra Mile

Meet the nation’s food and farming charities

Young boy holding potato at a British farm

Good food + good farming = a better future

As we celebrate British Food Fortnight 2025, there’s no better time to champion the people and places behind Britain’s best food. The Farm Shop Guide does exactly that, with its beautifully designed celebration of farm-to-fork food, local producers, and the communities keeping sustainable British farming alive.

But this book goes further. With every copy sold, a donation is made to the Sustainable Food Trust, and its readers are introduced to a range of like-minded organisations working for wildlife, soil health, fair farming and a resilient countryside. It’s a guidebook with a good heart, connecting readers not only to great local food, but to the values that make it possible.

Below are some of the organisations that The Farm Shop Guide proudly promotes – and the reasons they’re such a vital part of Britain’s good food story.

The Sustainable Food Trust – building a better food system

At the centre of The Farm Shop Guide’s giving is the Sustainable Food Trust. This pioneering charity works globally and locally to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable food and farming systems. From advocating for soil-friendly practices to encouraging true cost accounting in agriculture, their work inspires everything The Farm Shop Guide stands for: food that nourishes people, protects the planet and supports farmers fairly.

The Wildlife Trusts – farming for nature

The Wildlife Trusts protect and restore nature across the UK, often working hand in hand with farmers to make land management more wildlife-friendly. Their campaigns for hedgerows, pollinators and natural habitats echo the values behind Britain’s best farm shops – places where biodiversity thrives alongside good food.

LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) – smart, sustainable farming

LEAF champions integrated farm management, a balanced approach that helps farmers produce high-quality food while caring for the environment. LEAF’s work bridges the gap between science, farming and the public – much like The Farm Shop Guide connects customers with producers who farm with care and purpose.

The Nature Friendly Farming Network – voices for change

The Nature Friendly Farming Network brings together farmers who are proving that profitable farming and thriving nature can go hand in hand. By promoting their work, The Farm Shop Guide celebrates those at the grassroots of change: the farmers rewilding corners of their fields, planting hedges, and showing how good food and good stewardship belong together.

The Biodynamic Association – holistic farming in harmony

The Biodynamic Association promotes an approach to farming that’s rooted in ecology, soil health and respect for natural cycles. Their philosophy aligns beautifully with The Farm Shop Guide’s ethos: food grown slowly, mindfully, and in rhythm with the land.

Buglife – protecting the small but mighty

Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our food system, and Buglife is their champion. From bees and beetles to butterflies, Buglife’s work ensures that the insects vital to pollination and soil fertility continue to thrive – without them, our farm shops’ shelves would soon be bare.

The Farm Retail Association (FRA) – supporting local food heroes

The Farm Retail Association represents farm shops, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own businesses across the UK – the very places celebrated in The Farm Shop Guide. By showcasing this organisation, the book gives back to the community that fills its pages: independent retailers who connect consumers directly with British farmers and home-grown food.

RSPB Fair to Nature – food for wildlife and people

The Fair to Nature scheme, managed by the RSPB, recognises farms that go above and beyond for wildlife. Its certification helps shoppers choose products from farms where birds, bees and biodiversity are thriving. It’s exactly the kind of farming that The Farm Shop Guide seeks to highlight: where every purchase helps nature as well as people.

The Permaculture Association – designing for sustainability

The Permaculture Association promotes design systems for living and growing sustainably: principles that underpin many of Britain’s best regenerative farms. Their work helps create a resilient food system where resources are reused, waste is minimised, and communities flourish.

The Royal Countryside Fund – keeping rural Britain thriving

Founded by HM King Charles III, the Royal Countryside Fund supports rural communities and family farms. By helping farmers build business resilience and by funding local initiatives, it ensures the countryside remains a vibrant place to live and work: something many readers of The Farm Shop Guide values deeply.

The Soil Association – championing organic food

The Soil Association has long been the voice for organic farming in the UK. Their campaigns for healthy soil, good animal welfare and climate-friendly food reflect everything The Farm Shop Guide celebrates: transparency, trust, and taste rooted in the earth.

OF&G Organic – certifying with integrity

OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) certifies organic food and farming businesses with an emphasis on integrity and sustainability. Including their work in The Farm Shop Guide recognises the vital role certification plays in helping consumers trust where their food comes from.

Better Food Traders – fairer food for all

The Better Food Traders network connects ethical food retailers who champion fair prices, short supply chains, and climate-conscious practices. The Farm Shop Guide shares their mission – to make good food accessible, local and fair.

Pasture For Life – meat you can trust

The Pasture for Life movement certifies farms that raise animals entirely on grass and pasture. The result is meat that’s better for animals, farmers, people and the planet. It’s a story of integrity, and is one that The Farm Shop Guide is proud to share.

A guidebook with a conscience

At a time when many of us want to shop more responsibly and eat more locally, The Farm Shop Guide offers inspiration and direction – showing that every purchase can be an act of care. By donating to the Sustainable Food Trust and highlighting the work of these other inspiring organisations, the book helps ensure that British farms are promoted, helping them to thrive and continue to grow food in a way that’s kind to people, animals and the planet.

So this British Food Fortnight (and beyond), go the extra mile: buy British, visit your local farm shop, and choose food that supports a better future for all.

Posted on 07/10/202507/10/2025 by The Extra Mile

Celebrate British Food Fortnight

Farmers with a cart load of British farm food for British Food Fortnight

The best in home-grown British food

Every autumn, British Food Fortnight shines a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible bounty grown, reared, and produced across the UK. It’s a joyful two weeks of celebrating home-grown food, supporting British farmers, and reconnecting with the land that sustains us. For anyone passionate about sustainability, low-food-miles produce and discovering local flavours, this is the perfect time to explore your nearest farm shop, taste the best of British, and buy food that truly supports our countryside.

If you’ve ever wanted to eat more seasonally, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy fresher, more flavourful ingredients, British Food Fortnight is your invitation to do just that.

What is British Food Fortnight?

British Food Fortnight is the nation’s biggest celebration of British produce, organised by Love British Food. It typically runs for two weeks in late September and early October, coinciding with harvest season: a fitting moment to celebrate the richness of the British countryside.

Now running for over 20 years, the event brings together farmers, food producers, farm shops, restaurants, schools, and communities to champion home-grown food. The idea is simple: to remind us all of the value of buying British. This is not only for taste and freshness but also for the health of our planet and our rural economies.

At its heart, the campaign encourages people to choose local: to seek out British ingredients in shops, to dine at restaurants that source from nearby farms, and to support producers who care deeply about the land.

Where it’s happening

The beauty of British Food Fortnight is that it happens everywhere, from small rural villages to bustling cities. You’ll find events in farm shops, markets, pubs, and schools across the country. Many local councils and community groups get involved too, hosting food festivals, tasting sessions, cookery demos, and farm tours.

Farm shops are often at the centre of the celebration. Many places host tastings of seasonal produce, cheese and cider pairings, pick-your-own fruit days, and family-friendly events that showcase the stories behind local food.

You can find participating businesses on the Love British Food website or simply ask your local farm shop if they’re taking part. (Chances are, they’ll be delighted to tell you all about their latest harvest!)

Why buy British?

Choosing British food isn’t just patriotic. It’s practical, sustainable, and delicious (as the 150+ places in our own The Farm Shop Guide will attest!).

Here’s why buying British matters:

Fewer food miles: Home-grown food travels shorter distances meaning it’s fresher, tastier, and has a smaller carbon footprint.
Support for local farms: Every pound spent at a farm shop or local market goes back into the community, helping family-run farms thrive and keeping rural communities alive.
Better animal welfare: British farmers are recognised for maintaining some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.
Seasonal eating: Buying British means eating with the seasons — crisp apples in autumn, plump asparagus in spring, and juicy strawberries in summer.
A stronger rural economy: Supporting British producers keeps the countryside alive and working, preserving traditional skills and landscapes.

It’s a simple equation: buying British food sustains British farms.

How to get involved

There are so many easy, rewarding ways to take part in British Food Fortnight:

Visit your local farm shop: Discover fresh produce straight from nearby fields. Many farm shops offer local cheeses, chutneys, breads, and meats you won’t find in supermarkets.
Cook a British meal: Plan a dinner around seasonal British ingredients. Think roast root vegetables, local lamb, or apple crumble with fruit from a nearby orchard.
Join an event: Look out for community feasts, farmers’ markets or open farm days near you.
Share on social media: Tag your finds with #LoveBritishFood or #BuyBritish and help spread the message.
Give the gift of local food: A hamper of farm shop favourites makes the perfect present for food lovers.

Discover more with The Farm Shop Guide

If British Food Fortnight leaves you hungry for more, The Farm Shop Guide is your ultimate companion. This beautifully crafted book from Extra Mile Books showcases the best farm-to-fork destinations across the UK, from hidden rural gems to coastal farm shops and market cafés.

Every entry celebrates the people behind the produce (the farmers, bakers, butchers, and growers) who are all committed to sustainability and high-quality, low-food-miles food. Whether you’re planning a countryside trip or simply looking for a more ethical way to shop, The Farm Shop Guide helps you discover where your food really comes from.

It’s not just a directory; it’s an invitation to live more locally, gently, and deliciously.

A celebration that lasts all year

While British Food Fortnight may officially last two weeks, its spirit can carry on throughout the year. Every time you buy from a local farm shop, choose British butter over imported brands, or visit a pick-your-own orchard, you’re celebrating what makes our countryside so special.

Supporting British farmers is about more than food. It’s about community, sustainability, and a shared respect for the land. So this British Food Fortnight, go the extra mile: discover your nearest farm shop, fill your basket with local goodness, and take a bite of Britain at its best.