Cridmore Farm: A Heritage of Farming in the Heart of South Wight

The Clarke family, now in their fourth generation at Cridmore Farm, have decided to focus on a beef herd of around 50 cows, which calve in spring and graze the marshlands during summer. These marshlands are largely designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their unique botanical significance.

The farm boasts over 1,000 acres dedicated to combinable crops such as wheat, oilseed rape, beans, and oats, with occasional millet cultivation on owned and rented lands. The rich variety of soil types, from bog to sandy loam, supports rare arable plants like blue cornflowers and scarce yellow corn marigolds in its wetlands, which include two SSSIs along the River Medina.

Farm buildings have evolved since 1962, starting with an upgrade from the original Dairy building using local bricks from the Rookley brickworks. The Barn Store barn, originally constructed in 1983 and expanded in 1990 for housing young dairy cattle, has been transformed into a Barn Store facility managed by Nick Ward, with support from his wife Lizzie.

The picturesque farm offers scenic views from the Chequers Inn at Rookley and is featured on one of the pub’s suggested walking routes. The Worsley Trail bridleway also traverses the farm.

Situated in the South Wight Countryside, Cridmore Farm is located just 5 ½ miles south of Newport. To reach the farm, follow the A3020 Newport to Shanklin road, turn via Highwood Lane, and then head left into Loverstone Lane as signposted. Keep left for 1 ½ miles to arrive at the farm. Visitors should use the designated lane and not the farm track, entering through the second right at the Barn Store entrance.