Top 10 Best Farming Companies in Adur

Farming Between the Downs and the Sea

Although Adur is often thought of as a coastal and urban district, farming remains an important part of its character. North of the A27, the land rises into the South Downs National Park, where chalk grassland, arable fields and grazing pasture surround hamlets such as Coombes. The River Adur winds through fertile floodplain meadows, and farms along the valley have shaped the landscape for centuries.

Modern farming in and around Adur is diverse, combining food production with conservation, education, tourism and even viticulture. The ten farming businesses below stand out for their contribution to local food, landscape stewardship and community engagement.

1. Coombes Farm Tours

Based at Church Farm in the hamlet of Coombes, just north of Lancing, Coombes Farm Tours offers visitors the chance to experience a working downland farm. Tractor and trailer rides, lambing events and seasonal activities help families and school groups understand where food comes from and how farming shapes the South Downs landscape.

2. Applesham Farm

Applesham Farm, also near Coombes, has gained recognition for its commitment to regenerative farming. By focusing on soil health, minimal cultivation, cover crops and integrating livestock, the farm aims to produce food while improving biodiversity and storing carbon. It is a strong example of how Sussex farmers are adapting to environmental challenges.

3. Lancing College Farm

Lancing College, whose famous chapel overlooks the Adur Valley, operates its own farm. The farm provides students with hands-on experience of agriculture and animal care while managing land around the college estate. It is a valuable educational resource and a distinctive feature of the local farming community.

4. New Salts Farm

New Salts Farm lies on low-lying land between Shoreham and Lancing near the Adur estuary. Farmland in this area has historically been used for grazing and arable production, and its proximity to the river and coast makes it an important part of the district's green landscape between built-up areas.

5. Saddlescombe Farm

Managed by the National Trust, Saddlescombe Farm sits in the Downs north of Brighton, a short distance from Adur. It is a working farm with a long history, combining sheep grazing and conservation of chalk grassland with visitor access, demonstrating how traditional farming supports wildlife on the Downs.

6. Wiston Estate

Wiston Estate, located near Steyning at the northern end of the Adur Valley, is a family-run estate known for award-winning English sparkling wine as well as farming and woodland management. Its success reflects the remarkable growth of Sussex viticulture on chalk soils similar to those of Champagne.

7. Nyetimber

Nyetimber is one of England's most celebrated sparkling wine producers, with vineyards across West Sussex and beyond. Its pioneering role has helped establish Sussex as a world-class wine region, bringing investment, tourism and skilled jobs to the county's rural economy.

8. Ridgeview Wine Estate

Ridgeview, located near Ditchling at the foot of the South Downs, is a family-owned winery producing internationally acclaimed sparkling wines. Its success has inspired many other Sussex farmers to diversify into vineyards, transforming parts of the county's agricultural landscape.

9. Plumpton College

Plumpton College is Sussex's specialist land-based college, offering courses in agriculture, animal care, horticulture and wine production. Its commercial farm and vineyard provide practical training for the next generation of farmers, many of whom go on to work on farms across the Adur area.

10. Washbrooks Family Farm

Washbrooks Family Farm near Hurstpierpoint combines a working farm with a popular visitor attraction. Animal encounters, play areas and seasonal events help families connect with farming, and its success highlights the growing importance of agritourism for Sussex farms.

Trends in Sussex Farming

Regenerative agriculture is one of the most significant movements in local farming. Practices such as direct drilling, cover cropping, rotational grazing and hedgerow restoration aim to rebuild soil health and biodiversity while maintaining productivity. The government's Environmental Land Management schemes reward farmers for delivering environmental benefits, encouraging more farms to adopt these methods.

Diversification is another major trend. Vineyards, farm shops, holiday accommodation, events and educational visits provide additional income streams that help farms remain viable. Technology is also playing a growing role, with GPS-guided machinery, drones and soil sensors improving efficiency and reducing inputs.

The Value of Farming to the Adur Community

Farms around Adur contribute far more than food. They maintain the open landscapes that make the district such an attractive place to live, protect chalk grassland habitats that support rare butterflies and wildflowers, and manage land in ways that reduce flood risk along the Adur Valley. Public footpaths such as those across Lancing Ring and up towards the South Downs Way cross farmland, giving residents easy access to the countryside.

Supporting local farms by buying their produce, visiting farm attractions and respecting the countryside code helps sustain this vital part of Adur's identity for future generations.

Conclusion

From regenerative pioneers in Coombes to world-class Sussex vineyards, the farming businesses in and around Adur demonstrate the richness and adaptability of rural life between the Downs and the sea. These farms produce food and wine, protect landscapes, educate young people and welcome visitors, playing an essential role in the district's economy and character.