Regenerative Tourism
Regenarive Tourism at the Farmhouse Kitchen & Pantry
At The Farmhouse Kitchen & Pantry, regenerative tourism is part of everyday life. Nestled in the heart of the Waveney Valley, and as part of the family-run E S Burroughs & Sons dairy farm in Wheatacre, we believe hospitality should give back — to the land, the local community, and future generations.
Our café and farm shop operate with the land, not against it, using regenerative principles to care for our environment and our future.
Nature and Biodiversity
Our working farm is committed to boosting biodiversity through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and other ongoing efforts.
Across the farm:
- We plant cover crops to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and support pollinators
- Wildflower strips and margins provide vital habitat for bees, butterflies and farmland birds
- We’ve planted new hedgerows and trees and restored natural ponds
More than 70 bird species have been recorded here, and our own bees produce the honey used in our homemade puddings, bakes and ice creams.
Reducing Our footprint
We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact while maintaining the high-quality food and goods our visitors expect. The café is powered by renewable energy, including a ground source heat pump and solar panels. Across our wider operations:
- We use low-energy lighting, thermostatic controls and water-saving systems
- Our cleaning products are environmentally friendly
- Dairy chemicals are bought in bulk to reduce plastic packaging
- Rainwater is harvested to water our gardens
- We recycle as much as possible, from printer cartridges to old furniture
We’ve also converted our café from an old stable block using local tradespeople and materials — giving the building a new lease of life and creating a warm, welcoming space for all.
Supporting local & the circular economy
We believe that good food should be local, seasonal and sustainable. Our menu champions what we grow ourselves on the farm and includes plant-based and seasonal dishes that reduce our reliance on imported ingredients. Everything else is sourced from trusted Norfolk and Suffolk suppliers.
The Pantry stocks goods from nearby producers, while our gift shop features the work of local makers and artists. By choosing local, we can:
- Reduce food miles and transport emissions
- Support small, independent businesses
- Keep the regional economy thriving
We’re always happy to recommend local pubs, shops and experiences to help you explore and support the Waveney Valley.
How You Can Help
We hope you’ll join us in making The Farmhouse Kitchen and Pantry as environmentally friendly as possible. Even small actions can make a real difference:
- Reduce, reuse, recycle – Say no to unnecessary packaging and recycle wherever you can
- Support local – Choose food, gifts and souvenirs from local producers and businesses
- Reduce traffic – Walk, cycle or use public transport where possible to explore the area
- Follow the Countryside Code – Take your litter home, leave gates as you found them, and respect local wildlife and other visitors
- Spread the word – Share your experience and help raise awareness of how thoughtful tourism can support nature and community
By making conscious choices — both as a business and as visitors — we can protect the places we love, nurture the landscape around us, and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about our regenerative tourism practices, please contact us on 01502 677208 or email [email protected]
