A new dairy farm has begun production on the Isle of Wight this spring, offering local and sustainable milk at a time when most of the Island’s dairies have disappeared.
Warren Farm, near the Needles, has returned to dairy farming after a gap of nearly 25 years. It becomes one of only five remaining dairy farms on the Island.
Returning to their roots
James and Becca, the husband-and-wife team behind the farm, were determined to reintroduce dairy cows as part of their commitment to local food production.
James 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.”
He added,
“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.”
Support has come from the National Trust and the Isle of Wight National Landscape via the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme.
Preserving heritage, caring for nature
The farm’s small herd of pedigree Jersey cows came from a Brighstone farm that recently ceased production. Their bloodlines can be traced back to Queen Victoria’s own Jersey herd on the Island.
Warren Farm’s approach is both traditional and forward-thinking. Their new ‘Micro Dairy’ will milk fewer than 20 cows and use a ‘cow and calf’ system—where calves remain with their mothers throughout the day, while the cows are milked once each morning.
Becca said,
“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 harnessing the power of grazing animals to protect the habitats surrounding the farm.”
She added,
“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.”
Support from the National Trust
Oliver Cooper, Senior Estate Manager for the National Trust on the Isle of Wight, 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.”
He continued,
“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.”
Fresh milk, locally sold
All milk is processed on site—gently pasteurised, unhomogenised, and bottled in reusable glass bottles.
Warren Farm milk is now on sale at the farm shop, Orchard Bros, Hazelgrove Farm Shop, Nunwell Farm Kitchen, and the Needles Park. The team are also speaking with other stockists and have plans for more products in the coming year.
You can follow Warren Farm’s journey on Facebook, Instagram or Substack.
