Our Botton Village dairy and creamery teams are absolutely over the moon! Our very special Summerfields cheese has just won Gold at the Great British Food Awards.
Every wheel and block we create is not-for-profit, supporting a life of opportunity for adults with a learning disability, autism and support needs, who live in and attend activities at our communities across England.
Cheese for good
In Botton Village, people we support play a vital role in making our award-winning cheeses. From caring for our Dairy Shorthorn herd, to milking our cows (including Brandy and Mocha!) and helping in the dairy.
James, who lives in Botton Village explained, “We milk them, we give them a multi-nutrient grain, we also feed them, and we muck them out. It’s making a difference and it’s nice knowing all our animals are cared for and they’re healthy”.
Community member, Adam, who helps in the dairy, creamery and our Botton Village Café shared, “Really enjoying my time in the creamery, get to learn new skills of how to make and look after cheese. It is a different experience to what I am used to but I am thoroughly enjoying it. I’m good at reminding my work colleagues about the rules and how to work safe”.
Adam has also been helping to sell our cheese at local markets and shows, including Danby Makers Market, Danby Show and Goathland Farmers Market, sharing the vital work of Camphill Village Trust and raising funds to support more opportunities for adults with support needs.
"Wheel" impact
This new award means the world to all the community members and team members who work so hard to care for our animals, creating cheese that tastes good - and does good.
The Great British Food Awards celebrate some of the very best food and drink producers from across the UK, making this recognition a fantastic achievement for our small not-for-profit creamery. Competing alongside commercial producers, Summerfields stood out for its quality, flavour and craftsmanship.
Creating opportunities
Every stage of production creates meaningful opportunities for people with a learning disability, autism and support needs to build skills, confidence and independence through purposeful work. From farming and animal care to cheesemaking, packaging and sales, community members are involved throughout the journey from field to table.
This latest award is just one in a long line of medals and prizes awarded to our not-for-profit cheese – and it may not be the last! We’re very pleased to share that we’re attending the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards this November as finalists, again with our Summerfields cheese.
We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the people we support and team members who put so much time and care into our herd and cheese. We’d also like to thank our supporters, donors, volunteers and everyone who has bought our cheese, or set up a cheese subscription.
- Want to try our award-winning cheese for yourself? Summerfields and our other artisan cheeses are available from our online shop, with every purchase helping to create opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and other support needs.
