Discover the Secrets of Sustainable Meat at Ragley Estate Butcher
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Ragley Estate Butcher team and delve into their unique approach to harvesting, processing, and sustainability. Tucked away in the heart of Warwickshire, this hidden gem offers ethically sourced, top-quality meat for customers who value sustainability. Located at Hillers Farm Shop within the historic Ragley Estate, which is famed for its vast woodlands and rich agricultural heritage, the butchery provides a direct connection to nature and the finest local produce.
Sustainable, Ethically Sourced Meat from Ragley Estate
The Ragley Estate Butcher stands apart from other butchers, playing a vital role in the estate’s commitment to sustainable farming and wildlife management. The estate is home to a healthy deer population, and the butcher sources its wild venison directly from managed herds. The estate has its own deer larder which reduces food miles and keeps all of the venison processing in house, this ensures traceability and delivers fresh, high-quality venison that is healthy, sustainable and delicious. In a progressive move, Ragley Estate has adopted the use of copper bullets for harvesting deer, effectively eliminating concerns about lead contamination in the meat—a forward-thinking step that others may want to consider.
In addition to wild venison, the Ragley Estate Butcher is known for its selection of feathered game from the estate’s own shoots. This game is prepared and dressed immediately to ensure optimal freshness and flavour. The butcher also offers free-range lamb, reared on the estate with a strong focus on animal welfare and environmental care. Pork and beef is sourced from a range of preferred farms who share their approach to food production, and who they know they can rely on to provide consistent quality. This field-to-fork approach means customers can enjoy ethically produced, flavourful meat while supporting local ecosystems and reducing food miles.
Ragley Estate’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices
At the core of the Ragley Estate’s philosophy is a dedication to sustainable food production, high standards of animal welfare, and responsible wildlife management. The team works hard to minimise their carbon footprint while ensuring every product supports ethical land use. Customers can trust that each purchase contributes to sustainability efforts, making it a choice they can feel good about.
Engaging the Community: Open Farm Days and Great British Game Week
The Ragley Estate is passionate about preserving the countryside and engaging the next generation in sustainable farming practices. In partnership with LEAF Education, they plan to host Open Farm Days in 2025 to provide hands-on learning experiences for local young people about where their food comes from. In addition, Ragley Estate will be participating in this year’s Great British Game Week, celebrating the best of wild game.
For more news on upcoming collaborations between Eat Wild and Ragley Estate, stay tuned. The future of sustainable, ethical meat production is bright at Ragley Estate Butcher!