South Downs Lamb addresses issues of animal welfare, agricultural sustainability and enjoyable food. Our farmers are committed to offering you the best possible eating experience. To achieve this they operate a rigorous set of farming standards that few can match.

Our farmers are committed to offering you the best possible eating experience. To achieve this they operate a rigorous set of farming standards that few can match.

Environment and Conservation
For centuries the South Downs have been grazed by ewes and their lambs destined for the tables of London and Southern England. This extensive sheep farming has created and maintained a unique vegetation characteristic of grazed chalk uplands. They are rich in wildlife especially butterflies and bees that thrive off the wild herbs and grasses.

All our lambs have been sired by a Southdown or Hampshire ram. These breeds are traditionally associated with the Downs. Farmed extensively they can survive on the delicate vegetation.

All our farmers are situated in the newly designated South Downs National Park. This National Park recognises the need to preserve the unique wildlife of the Downs. It also aims to enhance the sustainability of farming by ensuring that the lambs are grown, processed and sold locally thus reducing food miles. By purchasing South Downs Lamb you are helping to support sustainable agriculture.

Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is a proper concern for all of us whether we eat meat or not. Our farmers are committed to treating animals with dignity. They allow the lambs time and space to develop naturally with the minimum of human intervention. We also recognise that lamb is seasonal and we do not try to improve on nature by intensifying a natural process.

Traceability
Every South Downs Lamb that is sold to you can be traced back to the farm where it was born and reared in the South Downs National Park. This will give you complete confidence in the provenance of your food.

Monitoring
The South Downs Lamb pledge is underpinned by a set of protocols to which all members adhere and which is audited to guarantee that our customers get what they expect and what they pay for.

Taste
The combination of the South Downs flora and fauna and the unhurried natural growth of local traditional breeds renown for their tenderness and flavour, results in meat that is reminiscent of a bygone era.

Cooking
The simpler the method of cooking the more apparent will be the flavour of this exceptional meat. Roast, grill or barbeque it and you will notice the difference. Your butcher will advise you in more detail how to cook particular cuts.