The story behind it all…
Hello, I am Alicia, founder of Monty’s Meadows.
Monty’s Meadow is located on a family farm in Stratton on the Fosse. The name of the secure dog walking field is in memory of my first family dog, Monty.
Monty was a black Labrador who loved life on the farm. Growing up on a family-run farm I have had a huge passion for animals throughout my childhood, with this love for animals flourishing into a more focused interest in canines specifically.
From the age of 14 years old I used to draw out these big plans to show my dad for my own businesses that I wanted to launch within the industry, Monty’s Meadow being one of these. During GCSE and A-level business, I took the opportunity to explore my idea further, looking at my competitors and the logistics of the business as part of my studies and final coursework.
To now, where I am currently studying Human-Animal Interaction with Psychology at University, to enhance my knowledge further. I have implemented this throughout the infrastructure of the field to provide enriching activities for your dog.
Meet The Padfields
Family History
At the heart of Church Farm in Somerset are The Padfield family. Passionate stewards of the land and champions of sustainable farming they have been farming here for generations, combining deep-rooted knowledge with forward-thinking practices to care for their animals, their crops, and the countryside.
Church farm spans over hundreds of acres of both arable and grassland, with a mix of soil types that support a diverse rotation of crops including wheat, barley, oilseed rape, linseed and spring beans. The Padfields also rear beef cattle, making full use of the land in a way that nurtures both productivity and biodiversity.
Sustainability runs through everything they do.
From precision soil mapping and low disturbance planting, to using home-grown feed and spreading nutrient-rich manure to improve soil health. They’re also strong advocates for conservation, with over 1,150 acres in agri-environment schemes, extensive hedgerow planting, and careful habitat management.
Church Farm is a LEAF Demonstration Farm, welcoming visitors, school groups, and local organisations to learn about life on the land. With renewable energy installations, rainwater harvesting, and a strong community spirit, the Padfields are not just farming for today but for the future.
The Padfield Family
“A farm is more than land and crops, it is a family’s heritage and future”
Please continue to lend your support and Back British Farming
Fosse Farm
Yes, we are a real working farm!
Nestled in the Somerset countryside, Fosse Farm is run by my wonderful parents, Jeremy and Sue Padfield, who are passionate about sustainability, environmental stewardship & the farming communities health and welfare.
As proud members of the LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) initiative, they are committed to conservation and responsible land management.
Fosse Farm embraces a range of eco-friendly practices. Wildlife margins and wild bird feed blocks encourage biodiversity, while overwintered stubbles and traditional hay meadows help support soil health and native species. They also use a GPS-equipped fertiliser spreader to ensure nutrients are applied precisely where needed, reducing waste and environmental impact. In addition the farm works with established and new tech companies involving in field crop trials and using modern precision machinery. Their regenerative farming approach means that they are constantly using innovative products to reduce their carbon footprint and working towards net zero.
Fosse Farm opens a seasonal pop-up cafe to the public. Visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, homemade cakes, quiche, and seasonal salads; perfect for a relaxed lunch or catch-up with friends.
Seasonally, the farm also sells freshly picked, farm-grown flowers. The whole space is family-friendly and dog-friendly, offering room to play, cycle, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk in the countryside.
Come for the coffee, stay for the charm and experience a working farm that truly values the land and those who share it.