Bluebells Farm Park, a beloved family-run micro-dairy, has been honoured with the prestigious Family Farming Business of the Year Award at the 2023 British Farming Awards.
The established micro-dairy in Spondon has been welcoming visitors since 2008 when the Brown family diversified into artisan ice cream making.
Set in 320 acres of farmland, the farm pulls in visitors from across the region and beyond. It is a firm favourite amongst parents of young children for its regular special events and delicious ice cream flavours.
Geoff, Rosemary, Oliver and Ella Brown, the driving forces behind the farm, were in attendance at the awards ceremony, held at the Vox in Birmingham on October 19. They proudly accepted the esteemed gold standard Family Farming Business of the Year award, a testament to the dedication, hard work and generational legacy that has been at the heart of the business for more than a decade.
On receiving the award, Ella Brown, co-owner at Bluebells Farm Park said: “Receiving the family business award was a cherished moment for us. After 15 years of hard work, determination and perseverance, it was an absolute honour for us to be named the 2023 Family Farming Business of the Year. The award is a real testament to the dedication of our family and our entire team who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Bluebells Farm Park remains a valued part of the community.”
Now in its eleventh year, the British Farming Awards, serve to recognise and celebrate the commitment, resilience, and innovation of the UK farming industry.
The Family Farming Business of the Year Award is set to join Bluebells Farm Park’s growing collection of accolades, including the Italian Gelato Festival Award, the ICA National Ice Cream Awards and an impressive 15 Great Taste Awards.
With a variety of 29 flavours, Bluebells Luxury Artisan ice cream and sorbet is stocked across the East Midlands in popular tourist attractions such as 15 National Trust properties, Chatsworth House, Nottingham Castle, The National Memorial Arboretum, Derby Theatre as well as many Farm Parks, local restaurants, cafes, pubs, theatres, garden centres, farm shops, cinemas and local convenience stores.
Over the past year, the Brown family have dedicated substantial resources to diversify the farm, as well as enhance the visitor experience and increase ice cream production, setting their sights on becoming the premier farm park attraction for families in the East Midlands.
Investment and innovation continue to be at the forefront of Bluebells Farm Park’s future plans and with a focus on boosting visitor numbers and increasing regional visibility the team have their sights set high.
The renowned success of the farm park and recent recognition at the British Farming Awards has been encompassed by the power of working together as a family, setting Bluebells Farm Park as a must-visit destination in Derbyshire.