Name: Carole Bamford, owner and founder of Daylesford
Where do you live? Daylesford in Gloucestershire
What sparked your interest in organic and responsible based farming methods? It was a life-changing moment shortly just after our daughter, Alice was born and I was pushing her round the garden of our home, back then in Staffordshire. My interest in gardening had just begun and I was looking at the roses, and saw them wilting. When I returned to the house I asked the farmers what they were spraying in the fields and they said, ‘Roundup’. I thought, ‘Well, those roses don’t like it’, and I was worried the effects it might have on Alice.
A couple of weeks later, at an agricultural show, I became inspired by the emerging organic farming movement having spent a couple of hours talking to a man who was there promoting organic food and farming. I came away thinking we must look after our soil.
The hardest part was persuading my husband. He looked at me as if I was completely barmy, it would be expensive and would mean the crops being less productive. It took three years to begin farming organically but 30 years later we are still going strong.
How did you build your passion for organic farming into a career? I am certainly passionate about good food and animal welfare, and I will always be fully committed to the principles of organic and sustainable farming. Over the last ten years the grocery sector, particularly has seen an increased awareness of where and how food is made, coupled with a strong demand for artisan products. I see this every day in our farmshops, and most noticeably at our annual Summer Festival. We have an excellent team and are fortunate to be able to grow and make a great deal of produce on our farm, in our bakery, kitchens and creamery, which in turn has allowed us to open the farmshops and cafes in Gloucestershire and London and share our passion for organic food.
Who inspires you? For his vision, Prince Charles. For their incredible skill and passion, Artisan Producers. For their impeccable style: Hubert Givenchy, Christy Turlington and Cate Blanchett
Favourite quote? Whatever we do has an impact, whether on the environment or on each other.
What is your biggest achievement so far? I would have to say turning our land organic. There are challenges but through a strong belief in what we are doing, we have achieved something of which I am very proud.
What’s your typical…
Breakfast: I like to start the day with a cup of hot water with lemon, I find it refreshing and cleansing. I really love fresh fruit, so depending on what is in season, I have a bowl of fruit with some yoghurt or maybe some homemade bircher muesli
Lunch: My favourite (though not typical) is Sunday lunch, when we are often surrounded by friends and family and have perhaps some roast chicken or beef from Daylesford, crispy roast potatoes and lots of vegetables from the kitchen garden. I find it hard to resist some of the organic cheeses also made on the farm.
Snack: I always have a bowl of nuts, seeds and dried fruits on my desk and drink lots of water and jasmine tea.
Dinner: A typical dinner for myself and my husband moving into winter would be, slow roast venison and seasonal vegetables
What’s your favourite dessert? In summer it has to be sliced white peaches. When it comes to Autumn I love blackberry and apple pie
What do you think the benefits are of eating organic? I believe in simple, good food, which is the result of organic farming; it is better for us, our animals and the environment.
How would encourage people to start eating organic food? I think it is important to understand why we should choose organic produce over non-organic. So often it is just a word thrown around and we aren’t actually aware of the true meaning – we just assume it is better for us. Farming organically means that you can be sure the animals have lived well and have not been routinely given antibiotics and fruit, vegetables and crops are free from harmful pesticides and herbicides. Through having this knowledge and by making a start with a few organic choices, like changing to organic milk, it’s my hope that this would encourage people to lead an organic life without it being forced upon them.
Where are your favourite places to eat? It has to be the River Café: seasonal, local and real food
What do you do to stay active? Yoga and long country walks
What is your beauty routine? As you may know I believe that what you put on the body, is as important as what you put inside. At Bamford, we have developed a range of organic bath and body products and maybe I am biased but I love using them. It’s so often said but I do believe it is important to drinking plenty of water and getting as much sleep as possible each night
Where’s your favourite place in the world? I haven’t got one favourite place, I just adore to be by the sea, in the garden – anywhere where nature is.
What makes you happy? Spending time with my family, I love being out on the farm with my grandchildren.
Describe your perfect day. My perfect day would be a Saturday – I’d wake early, around 5.30am, to walk my dogs and then return for half an hour yoga with Vettri, a Pranayama yoga specialist. Salutations, chanting a mantra and meditation would leave me feeling calm and ready for the day ahead. My husband and I would go exploring, perhaps to a farmers market or to some local antique shops followed by lunch with my family. I love being surrounded by my children and grandchildren. After lunch we’d watch some racing on the television, I breed racehorses and I find it all very exciting. We might go out into the stable yard and see some of my horses – my grandchildren are keen riders and it gives me great pleasure to watch. In the evening we’d go to the Wild Rabbit to meet friends, before coming home for dinner or going on to one of their houses.
Do you have any favourite tips and tricks to stay healthy and happy everyday?
Take some exercise each day – yoga is great for the body, mind and soul
Eat healthily but its ok to enjoy occasional treats too
Do what you love and love what you do
Be thankful for all you have and the people around you
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