Matt and Betsie, our tenants at Nutfield Dairy, Brays Farm, have taken a bold step to bring sustainable, nature-friendly dairy directly to their customers, via a restored electric milk float named The Nutfield Express.

Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, the couple has now converted a vintage electric milk float into a mobile farm shop, serving up fresh milk, cheese, yoghurt, cream and milkshakes with a low environmental footprint.

Launched in late May, The Nutfield Express now parks up at Bower Hill Farm (RH1 4EH) every Saturday 10am - 4pm and Wednesday 2pm - 6pm (due to restrictions at Brays Farm). Other locations maybe added depending on demand.

Inside the float, there is a specially designed milk dispenser offering whole and semi-skimmed milk, with the option to make fresh milkshakes. Customers can buy glass milk bottles to then wash and refill, cutting down on single-use packaging.

Cows at the heart of business

“We have just 25 traditional Shorthorn cows, as well as some rare breed Albion cows,” says Matt. “Our cows graze on chemical-free pasture, we move them onto fresh grass daily to help regenerate the soil and boost biodiversity, and — unlike most dairies — calves stay with their mothers. It means we get less milk, but the animals are healthier and happier.”

Customers can even meet the herd digitally through photos and profiles of the cows responsible for producing their milk on the Nutfield Express.

“You definitely don’t get that sort of connection at the supermarket,” Matt adds. “People love knowing exactly where their food comes from.”

Sustainable farming

The Nutfield Express isn’t just about connecting people with their food, it’s also about sustainability. The fully electric vehicle includes an inverter and will soon be fitted with a solar panel to power operations on the go.

“We want everything, from how we farm, to how we deliver, to reflect our environmental values,” says Betsie. “It’s a small-scale, big-hearted approach to food production.”

Nutfield Dairy products are available at the Nutfield Express and select local outlets, such as Priory Farm Shop, Garsons and Earlswood Farmers Market.

For updates and new stops on the float’s route, visit Nutfield Dairy on Facebook and Instagram or see https://nutfielddairy.co.uk/

More ways to support us

If you want to help us protect local wildlife and habitats in other ways you can join as a CRT Friend, attend our in-person and online events and volunteer on one of our farms. You can also sign-up to our monthly newsletter 'CRT News' for regular updates from our farms, straight to your inbox.