Welcome to the online edition of
the Stour Valley Countryside Products Guide.
By choosing to buy from producers in this guide, you are
helping to sustain local landscapes, wildlife habitats and rural
economies. Sustainable production fulfils today’s needs without
compromising those of future generations, economically, socially or
environmentally.
Buying locally;
reduces pollution created by transporting goods and
traveling to out of town shops;
reduces the amount of packaging, thus saving
resources, reducing pollution and waste;
supports the local rural economy;
maintains employment;
gives the consumer the chance to learn about
production methods thus increasing mutual understanding, trust and
support.
This guide is divided into categories of producer to
make locating them easier. Within some categories there is a link to a
feature explaining how a particular producer is sustainable. We have not
included all shops which sell local produce but please do ask for local
produce when you are shopping.
A seasonal calendar is included - shopping locally and
sustainably means buying seasonally. Many people have lost the sense of
season - eating strawberries at Christmas has become normal. By returning
to locally available produce the pleasure of anticipating the new seasons
and their new tastes can be enjoyed. Another way of ensuring seasonality
is to grow produce yourself in the garden or on an allotment.
We have also included a ‘Green Tourism’ section as
you can help to support rural services such as shops, pubs, buses and
trains by exploring your local countryside. The Stour Valley has some very
attractive scenery and some great places to visit.
Guide contents
