When a Devon couple bought some goats on a whim at a farmers market, they didnt realise it would be the start of something big
James Whetlor and Sushila Moles didnt set out to create an award-winning business; they just wanted a bit of help with the garden. Four years ago, they moved into a two-bed cottage in an idyllic corner of Devonand took on with a patch of land that hadnt been touched in years; it was less green and pleasant than impenetrable and daunting. Wed planned for a couple of pigs, Moles says, but the neighbours wouldnt agree, so we got four goats instead. The idea was theyd clear the ground in return for being looked after.
At the time, both worked at River Cottage, Moles as events manager, Whetlor as chef at River Cottage Canteen in Axminster. One day he popped over to see his bread supplier at Taunton farmers market and, being a novice goat-keeper, went to check out the goats cheese stall next door. It belonged to Will Atkinson of Hill Farm, and I ended up buying a couple of goats off Will to put on the Canteen menu. They flew out of the door. I thought, Were on to something here, and went straight back to Will for more.
Continue reading...