Since its redevelopment in 2021, our Farm Shop at Occombe has proudly championed locally sourced produce and offered a range of high-quality products from regional farmers, producers, and artisans. Despite our efforts to diversify and adapt our offering over the years, the shop has faced financial difficulties since opening.
With increasing costs, a tough economic climate and changes in visitor spending habits, the trading environment has been challenging. The rise in National Living Wage and National Insurance Contributions has exacerbated its already weak position and so we are planning to close the shop.
To ensure that Occombe’s activities run as efficiently as possible, we must make sustainable business decisions. The income Occombe generates helps provide vital financial support towards our conservation work, caring for nearly 80% of all Torbay’s green spaces. This includes places we all love to visit like Berry Head National Nature Reserve and Cockington Country Park as well as local meadows, woodlands, coast paths and bridle ways.
Regrettably, this decision affects a small number of our valued team members, and we are working closely with those impacted during this transition. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.
While this chapter is coming to an end, we are excited to explore options for repurposing the space and we look forward to sharing updates on new developments with you. We also want to reassure our visitors that Occombe Farm Café and Occombe Farm Park & Play remain open as normal.
We will be holding a stock sale starting on Wednesday 30th April.
We want to thank our customers for their continued support as we move forward with new plans for the future.
If you care about the green spaces of Torbay as much as we do, please help support our conservation work so we can preserve these spaces for generations to come. Become a Member, Volunteer or Donate and together we can make a difference.
