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The Countryside Kitchen Celebrates First Birthday After Welcoming More Than 1,000 Visitors

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:46:39 GMT

The Countryside Kitchen Celebrates First Birthday After Welcoming More Than 1,000 Visitors

Community project marks milestone with birthday celebration and reflects on an incredible first year of connecting people with food, farming and nature.

The Countryside Kitchen, based at Orchard Farm, Yelvertoft, has celebrated its first birthday with a special community tea party, marking twelve months of transforming lives through hands-on food, farming and countryside education.

The celebration brought together supporters, volunteers and Cllr Fiona Baker, Chair of West Northamptonshire Council, to reflect on an extraordinary first year, which has seen 1,068 people benefit from fully funded workshops designed to improve wellbeing, build confidence and reconnect people with where their food comes from.

As part of the celebrations, guests helped create a new sensory raised bed , planting fragrant lavender and blackberry plants that will continue to benefit future visitors. The sensory raised bed was made possible thanks to the generous support of Marshalls Garden , who donated the plants, and Wickes Rugby , who supplied compost to help bring the garden to life.

Since officially opening in July 2025, The Countryside Kitchen has welcomed school children, families, vulnerable adults, community organisations and people recovering from illness or addiction from across Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire .

Workshops combine cooking, growing, meeting farm animals and outdoor learning, helping visitors develop practical life skills while improving their understanding of British farming, healthy eating and the environment.

Over the past year the project has:

Welcomed 1,068 visitors to the farm.
Built relationships with 37 schools, charities and community organisations .
Delivered more than 50 fully funded workshops .
Established a Community Fridge collection point, rescuing surplus food that is transformed into educational activities and added-value products.
Become a recognised community hub, offering volunteering opportunities, an honesty shop, a publicly accessible defibrillator, bleed control station, outdoor first aid training and a recycling point for empty medication blister packs.

Founder Milly Fyfe MBE said:

"When we opened The Countryside Kitchen a year ago, we simply hoped to create a welcoming place where people could reconnect with food, farming and nature. To have welcomed over a thousand people in our very first year is beyond anything we imagined. Every school visit, every community group, every volunteer and every supporter has helped shape what The Countryside Kitchen has become. Seeing children bake bread for the first time, adults regain confidence, and people leave with a smile reminds us why this work matters.

We're incredibly grateful to every funder, volunteer, business and individual who has believed in our vision. This first year is just the beginning."

Looking ahead, The Countryside Kitchen plans to enhance its programme of workshops, develop new educational experiences including beekeeping and rare livestock, strengthen support for the farming community through rural first aid training, and continue growing partnerships with businesses and charitable funders to ensure workshops remain accessible for those who need them most.

To coincide with its first anniversary, the not for profit CIC has also published its Year One Impact Report , showcasing the difference made during its inaugural year and setting out its ambitions for the future.

For more information or to request a copy of the Year One Impact Report, visit:

www.thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk or email contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

Or follow:

Facebook & Instagram: @TheCountrysideKitchen
Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn: @NoFussMealsForBusyParents

ENDS

Media Contact:
Milly Fyfe MBE
Founder, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC and The Countryside Kitchen

contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC is an award-winning social enterprise based in Northamptonshire that promotes healthy eating, food education and wellbeing through practical, accessible community initiatives.

The Countryside Kitchen is a field-to-fork educational facility located on a working farm at Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire, delivering hands-on learning experiences focused on food, farming, sustainability and nutrition.

Photos available on request

Featured: Cllr Fiona Baker, Chair of West Northamptonshire council, together with Milly Fyfe MBE and local children planting a new sensory garden feature at The Countryside Kitchen - photo credit: Kelly Alders

Head and Shoulders shot of Milly Fyfe MBE with birthday cake– photo credit: Kelly Alders

Milly Fyfe Awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours for Services to Farmers and Family Nutrition

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Milly Fyfe Awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours for Services to Farmers and Family Nutrition

Milly Fyfe Awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours for Services to Farmers and Family Nutrition

Northamptonshire farmer, social entrepreneur and community champion Milly Fyfe has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List 2026 for services to farmers and family nutrition.

The award recognises Milly's work as Founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC and creator of its flagship initiative, The Countryside Kitchen, a pioneering field-to-fork education project based on her family's farm at Yelvertoft in Northamptonshire.

For more than two decades, Milly has dedicated her career to supporting farming families, improving food education and championing the connection between agriculture, health and wellbeing. Through No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC, she has worked tirelessly to make healthy eating accessible and achievable for busy families while helping people better understand where their food comes from.

The Countryside Kitchen, which officially opened in 2025, has become the physical embodiment of that mission. Situated on a working mixed livestock and arable farm, the project includes a purpose-built classroom, demonstration kitchen and community honesty shop. Together, these facilities provide hands-on opportunities for children, families, schools and community groups to learn how food is grown, prepared and enjoyed.

The project's "Grow, Cook, Eat, Discover" approach helps tackle food insecurity, improve nutritional understanding, support mental wellbeing and reconnect people with British farming and food production.

Milly said:

"I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this award. While my name appears on the citation, this recognition belongs to an extraordinary community of people who have supported, encouraged and believed in the vision of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents and The Countryside Kitchen."

"This honour is for every farming family who continues to work tirelessly to produce food, often in the face of enormous challenges. It is for every volunteer, supporter, funder, teacher, parent and child who has been part of our journey."

Born and raised with a passion for agriculture and the countryside, Milly has devoted much of her professional life to supporting the farming community. Her career has included serving as National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Chair, Regional Manager for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), Chief Executive Officer of the Dairy and Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, Ambassador for the Farming Community Network (FCN) and the Farm Safety Foundation, as well as representing farming interests through the West Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network.

Alongside these roles, Milly has consistently advocated for improved mental health support, food education and stronger links between consumers and producers.

Behind the scenes, however, the success story has not always been straightforward.

Over the years, Milly has faced significant personal adversity, including the long-term effects of a spinal injury sustained during childbirth. Managing chronic pain while balancing family life, farming responsibilities and building a social enterprise from the ground up has required determination, resilience and unwavering commitment.

"People often see the awards, the events and the milestones, but they don't always see the years of hard work, setbacks, uncertainty and personal challenges behind them," she said.

"There have been moments when the future felt impossible, but I have always believed that if we can help even one family eat better, one child understand where food comes from, or one farmer feel less isolated, then it is worth continuing."

Milly and her husband Andrew run a mixed livestock and arable farm in Northamptonshire and are parents to two sons, Angus (8) and Dougie (7). Alongside her work with the CIC, Milly maintains livestock including Golden Guernsey goats, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Herdwick sheep, broiler chickens and laying hens, while also nurturing a productive kitchen garden that helps inspire many of the educational activities delivered through The Countryside Kitchen.

Milly paid tribute to her family, saying:

"None of this would have been possible without Andrew, Angus and Dougie. They have shared the sacrifices, celebrated the successes and supported me through the most difficult times. I am also enormously grateful to our volunteers, directors, funders, mentors, partners and wider farming community. This honour belongs to all of them as much as it does to me."

To mark the award, The Countryside Kitchen is launching a new community initiative encouraging people to celebrate and support British food producers.

The "Thank You for Choosing British" postcard campaign invites members of the public to recognise businesses, retailers, cafés, restaurants and individuals who actively support British farming by purchasing and promoting British produce.

The postcards can be handed directly to business owners and staff as a simple gesture of appreciation, helping to build stronger connections between consumers and producers while encouraging support for local food systems.

Anyone wishing to receive postcards or pledge their support for the campaign can email: contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk We ask that you include your address, how many postcards you would like and a suggested donation of £5 towards postage and admin.

Those wishing to support the work of The Countryside Kitchen can make a donation at:

https://givealittle.co/c/thecountrysidekitchen

ENDS

Media Contact:
Milly Fyfe MBE
Founder, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC and The Countryside Kitchen

contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Photos available on request

Attached Milly Fyfe in action at The Countryside Kitchen - photo credit: Tesco

Head and Shoulders shot of Milly Fyfe – photo credit: Olivia Brabbs

Celebrating National Recognition for The Countryside Kitchen

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:42:22 GMT

Celebrating National Recognition for The Countryside Kitchen

At The Countryside Kitchen , we have always believed that food has the power to bring people together, improve wellbeing, build confidence, and create lasting change within rural communities.

That is why we are incredibly proud to share that our work has recently been recognised through several prestigious national honours.

We have been named:

Winner and recognised champion by Women in Food & Drink for Food Waste and Circular Economy Champions
Winner of Farming Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards
Included within the SE100 Index 2026 Top UK Social Enterprises

These achievements mean so much to us as a grassroots rural organisation. Behind every award and recognition are the hundreds of children, families, schools, vulnerable adults, SEN groups, and community members who have walked through our doors and become part of our journey.

The Countryside Kitchen was created with a simple mission: to reconnect people with where food comes from through hands-on “Grow, Cook, Eat” experiences on our working farm in Northamptonshire. What started as an idea rooted in community need has grown into a thriving educational and wellbeing project that is helping people develop confidence, food skills, environmental awareness, and stronger connections to nature.

Over the past year alone, we have welcomed nearly 1000 visitors to the farm for workshops focused on sustainable food systems, cooking, growing produce, reducing food waste, and improving physical and mental wellbeing. We are particularly passionate about ensuring opportunities are accessible to those who may face barriers to participation, including rural isolation, financial hardship, additional educational needs, or recovery challenges.

Being recognised nationally for food waste and circular economy work is especially important to us because sustainability sits at the heart of everything we do. From teaching seasonal cooking and composting, to reducing waste through practical food education and promoting local produce, we are helping communities understand how small changes can create long-term environmental impact.

To be recognised within the UK’s top social enterprises also reinforces something we strongly believe — that community-led projects in rural areas matter deeply and deserve investment, collaboration, and support.

As we continue to grow, we would love to connect with national businesses and organisations whose CSR and ESG goals align with our work. Whether through sponsorship, partnership projects, educational support, wellbeing initiatives, or sustainability campaigns, we believe there is huge potential to create meaningful impact together.

We are creating far more than a classroom on a farm — we are building a movement around food education, sustainability, wellbeing, and rural resilience.

If your business would like to support, collaborate, or help us expand our reach, we would love to hear from you. Email contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

Together, we can inspire healthier communities, stronger connections to food, and a more sustainable future.

Help Us Grow The Countryside Kitchen

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:18:16 GMT

Help Us Grow The Countryside Kitchen

Make a donation towards the work of The Countryside Kitchen

At The Countryside Kitchen, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to understand where their food comes from and feel connected to the land that produces it.

From our farm in Northamptonshire, we welcome children, families, schools and community groups to take part in hands-on experiences that bring food to life. Through our Grow, Cook, Eat workshops, people learn how food is grown, how to prepare simple nutritious meals, and why farming and the countryside matter to us all.

For many of the children who visit, it is their first time on a farm. They see crops growing in the soil, harvest fresh ingredients from the garden, and cook food from scratch. These moments spark curiosity, confidence and a deeper understanding of food, farming and the environment.

But delivering these experiences is not easy.

Despite the clear benefits of outdoor learning and food education, funding for farm visits has reduced significantly. As a small not-for-profit initiative, we work hard to secure grants, sponsorship and partnerships to keep our sessions accessible and affordable for schools and community groups.

This is where your support can make a real difference.

If you would like to support our work, you can make a donation here:
https://givealittle.co/c/thecountrysidekitchen

Every contribution helps us to:

Welcome more children and community groups to the farm
Maintain our kitchen garden and learning spaces
Provide hands-on food and farming education
Support wellbeing and rural community initiatives
Ensure that cost is not a barrier for those who would benefit most

Even small donations help us continue creating meaningful experiences that inspire people to reconnect with food, nature and the countryside.

The Countryside Kitchen is about more than cooking. It is about building knowledge, confidence and community through food and farming.

With your support, we can continue to grow something truly special.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Midlands social enterprise named in UK’s Green Growth 100

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:29:50 GMT

Local organisation recognised as one of the UK’s leaders in sustainability-led growth

Midlands social enterprise named in UK’s Green Growth 100

Local organisation recognised as one of the UK’s leaders in sustainability-led growth

No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC and its flagship project, The Countryside Kitchen, has been selected as part of the Green Growth 100 , an initiative launched by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT , spotlighting small businesses successfully using sustainability as a core driver of growth.

The Green Growth 100 champions one hundred small businesses across the UK that are embedding sustainable practices into their operations — from cutting waste and rethinking supply chains to strengthening long-term resilience and attracting new customers.

Founded in 2023 , No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC is led by Founding Director Milly Fyfe and is based in Northamptonshire ( Midlands) , with reach across rural and urban communities. Through its on-farm educational hub, The Countryside Kitchen, the organisation delivers hands-on “Grow, Cook, Eat, discover!” workshops that connect people with food, farming, and sustainability. Activities include cooking from scratch, reducing food waste, lowering food miles, composting, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting local supply chains — demonstrating how environmental responsibility and social impact can go hand in hand.

Since opening the classroom in July 2025, more than 350 people have already benefited from workshops, with over 1000 expected by the end of 2026 , including school children, vulnerable adults, and groups referred through social prescribing services. The organisation also operates a community honesty shop, providing local food access for a rural population that had been without a shop for eight years, while reinvesting all profits back into education.

On being named in the Green Growth 100, Milly Fyfe said:

“Being recognised as part of the Green Growth 100 is incredibly meaningful. Sustainability isn’t a bolt-on for us — it’s woven into how we farm, teach, and support our community. This recognition shows that value-led community organisations can drive real environmental change while building resilient, financially viable models that truly serve people.”

Michelle Ovens CBE , CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said:

“The Green Growth 100 celebrates the small businesses that are showing sustainability and growth go hand in hand. These businesses are not only reducing their environmental impact, but also strengthening their operations, engaging customers, and building more resilient business models. No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC and The Countryside Kitchen is a brilliant example of how sustainability can fuel long-term success.”

This Green Growth 100 follows the work of the Willow Review , an independent, Government-backed review into the financial benefits of sustainability, co-chaired by Small Business Britain with BT as a Steering Board member. The review outlines how sustainability presents major financial opportunities for the UK’s 5.6 million small businesses.

Chris Sims , Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT, added:

“The businesses in the Green Growth 100 are setting the benchmark for how sustainability can unlock innovation and commercial opportunity. It’s inspiring to see how small businesses across the UK are turning greener practices into real business growth. We’re proud to support this initiative and congratulate Milly Fyfe on being recognised.”

As a business featured on the Green Growth 100, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC will also be in the running for the Green Growth Awards , hosted by BT on 12 March 2026 , where two standout businesses will each be awarded a £5,000 grant to scale their sustainability ambitions.

New in the Honesty Shop: Gloucester Old Spot Chipolata Sausages

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:06:17 GMT

New in the Honesty Shop: Gloucester Old Spot Chipolata Sausages

We’re excited to introduce a new addition to our honesty shop — Gloucester Old Spot pork chipolata sausages , made using our own farm-reared pork .

Produced by Joseph Morris Butchers , these chipolatas are made with care, skill and respect for the animal, using pork from our Gloucester Old Spot pigs. This traditional British breed is known for its exceptional flavour, thanks to slow growth and high welfare standards.

The sausages come in trays of 12 , making them perfect for family meals, quick suppers or sharing, and are available in our honesty shop for £5 per tray .

This is food with a story — local, low food miles, and rooted firmly in our farm-to-fork ethos . From raising the animals to working with a trusted local butcher, we believe in keeping food systems transparent, traceable and community-focused. By choosing produce from our honesty shop, you’re supporting sustainable farming, local businesses and a more connected way of eating — where you know where your food comes from and who it supports.

Trading profits from the honesty shop support our educational work.

Welcoming Our Herdwick Sheep: A Heritage Breed with Character

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:05:49 GMT

Welcoming Our Herdwick Sheep: A Heritage Breed with Character

We’re delighted to welcome a small flock of Herdwick sheep to The Countryside Kitchen — a hardy, heritage breed with deep roots in British farming history.

Originating from the Lake District, Herdwicks are one of the UK’s most iconic native sheep breeds, known for their resilience, excellent mothering instincts and ability to thrive in challenging landscapes. Their story is closely tied to traditional farming systems and the stewardship of the land — values that sit at the heart of our work.

Even more exciting, our Herdwicks are in lamb , and we’re looking forward to welcoming lambs in the spring . Lambing season is always a special time on the farm and offers a wonderful opportunity to talk with visitors about animal care, seasonal food production and where meat really comes from.

The lambs will be carefully reared and, in time, we’ll be offering hogget through our on-site shop — a slower-grown, flavourful meat that reflects our commitment to animal welfare, sustainability and nose-to-tail eating.

True to form, we asked our community to help us name the flock, and we’re thrilled to introduce:
Lamboghini, Lady Baa Baa, Baa-bara and Woolly Wonka — each with plenty of personality already.

Our Herdwicks are an important part of our educational work, helping us tell honest stories about farming, food and the journey from field to fork — rooted in real food and real life.

Bringing Training Closer to Home: Outdoor First Aid Course – Register Your Interest

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:57:18 GMT

Creating Safe Shelter: Supporting Our Animals and Our Mission

Bringing Training Closer to Home: Outdoor First Aid Course – Register Your Interest

Living and working in rural environments comes with unique challenges — especially when it comes to emergency response.

After personally trying (and failing) to find an outdoor first aid course within a 100-mile radius , we realised this was a real gap for people working and volunteering in rural settings. In response, we are exploring the opportunity to host an Outdoor First Aid course at The Countryside Kitchen , delivered by a qualified external training provider.

We are currently gauging interest in this course, with the aim of hosting a small group of up to 8 participants . The training would be ideal for farmers, outdoor educators, forest school leaders, community workers, volunteers and anyone spending time working outdoors where emergency services may not be immediately available.

By hosting the course locally, we hope to make essential training more accessible, affordable and practical for those who need it most. If this is something you’d be interested in attending — or would like to know more — we’d love to hear from you. Your interest will help us confirm viability and move this much-needed training forward. Drop us an email to register your interest: contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

Creating Safe Shelter: Supporting Our Animals and Our Mission

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:52:18 GMT

Creating Safe Shelter: Supporting Our Animals and Our Mission

As The Countryside Kitchen continues to grow, so too does our small but much-loved farm family.

We are currently fundraising to install a field shelter to support the welfare of our new Herdwick sheep , Golden Guernsey goats , and our growing array of poultry . This shelter will provide essential protection from harsh weather, improve animal wellbeing, and support our ability to deliver safe, high-quality educational experiences on the farm.

Our animals play a central role in teaching visitors about food systems, farming, sustainability and animal care. Having appropriate infrastructure in place allows us to care for them responsibly while welcoming schools, families and community groups to learn up close.

Alongside the field shelter, this campaign will also support improvements such as hen housing and essential roof repairs , ensuring the farm remains safe, resilient and fit for purpose.

By supporting this campaign, you’re not just helping us build a shelter — you’re helping us protect our animals, strengthen our educational work, and secure the future of The Countryside Kitchen for the community it serves.

If you think you might be able to help, please drop us a line via email to: contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

Small Change, Big Impact: Our Supermarket Token Drop

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:37:55 GMT

Small Change, Big Impact: Our Supermarket Token Drops

Small Change, Big Impact: Our Supermarket Token Drop

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that help create the biggest change.

We’re incredibly grateful to Waitrose and Tesco for choosing No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC and The Countryside Kitchen to benefit from their community giving schemes from January - March 2026.

When you shop in the Supermarket at Tesco Rugby ( Warwickshire) and Waitrose stores in Lutterworth, Market Harborough ( Leicestershire) and Kingsthorpe (Northampton) while doing your weekly shop you can drop tokens into our collection slots.

Every token dropped into the collection helps us deliver hands-on food education, wellbeing activities and farm-based learning experiences for families, children and community groups. These simple acts of generosity help us keep workshops accessible, maintain our learning spaces and ensure no one is excluded from taking part.

In each of these stores we will receive a donation of either £500, £1000 or £1500 depending on how many tokens we receive. So please do consider storing them up and giving us your support before the end of March.

We are hugely thankful to the store teams for choosing us, and to every shopper who paused for a moment to support local community work. Your kindness helps us turn everyday generosity into lasting impact — rooted in real food, real people and real community.

Stepping Forward Together: A Welly Donation with Heart

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:04:36 GMT

Stepping Forward Together: A Welly Donation with Heart

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference.

Thanks to the generosity of Wilson Browne Solicitors , The Countryside Kitchen has received a wonderful donation of wellington boots — practical, sturdy, and ready for muddy fields and busy days on the farm.

For many of the children, families and community groups who visit us, a pair of wellies can be the difference between watching from the sidelines and fully joining in. Whether it’s feeding animals, exploring the fields, planting in the garden or learning where food really comes from, having the right footwear helps everyone step confidently into the experience.

This thoughtful donation supports our commitment to making farm-based learning inclusive, accessible and welcoming . It removes a practical barrier and ensures that no one misses out on hands-on opportunities simply because they don’t have the right kit.

We are incredibly grateful to Wilson Browne Solicitors for recognising the value of community education, wellbeing and connection to food and farming. Their support helps us continue to grow a space where people can learn, belong and thrive — whatever the weather.

From all of us at No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC and The Countryside Kitchen — thank you for helping our community take confident steps forward, one pair of wellies at a time ��

�� Pictured is Milly Fyfe receiving the wellington boots from Kirsten Rimmer of Wilson Browne Solicitors

Celebrating Our First Six Months: The Countryside Kitchen Social Impact Report 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:57:38 GMT

Celebrating Our First Six Months: The Countryside Kitchen Social Impact Report 2025

Since opening our doors in July, The Countryside Kitchen has grown into something far bigger than a building. It has become a place of learning, connection, wellbeing and community — and today we are proud to share our first Social Impact Report .

In just six months, 350 children, vulnerable adults, families and community members have taken part in our hands-on Grow, Cook, Eat workshops. From school visits and uniformed youth groups to home-educating families, NHS social prescribing referrals and vulnerable adults supported through community partners, the response has been overwhelming.

Visitors have travelled from Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire to experience practical food education on a working farm — many for the first time in their lives. For some, this was their first experience of open green space. For others, it was the first time in decades someone had cooked a meal just for them.

Alongside our educational work, our honesty shop , open seven days a week, has become a valued local service, providing affordable produce and now hosting a medical recycling point and bleed control station , responding directly to rural community need.

Our Social Impact Report captures:

Who we’ve reached and how
The outcomes people have shared with us
The unexpected moments that show real transformation
The partners, funders and volunteers who made this possible
Our ambitions to grow our reach to 1,000+ people in 2026 , particularly those facing disadvantage or rural isolation

One visitor told us:
“I’ve never left the town before — it’s wonderful to be in open, green space.”

Another shared:
“Thank you for cooking me a meal. It’s the first time in 50 years someone has done that for me.”

These moments remind us why this work matters.

We are deeply grateful to our funders, partners, collaborators and volunteers who believed in this vision and helped turn it into reality. This report is not just a reflection — it’s an invitation to be part of what comes next.

�� Read our Social Impact Report 2025 by hitting the button below

Thank you for supporting The Countryside Kitchen. Together, we are growing something special.

— Milly Fyfe, Founding Director

Brighten Your Kitchen and Support Learning – Our ‘What’s in Season’ Tea Towels Are Here!

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:24:23 GMT

Brighten Your Kitchen and Support Learning – Our ‘What’s in Season’ Tea Towels Are Here!

Looking for a way to celebrate the seasons in your kitchen and support hands-on learning for local children and families?

We’ve got just the thing! Our ‘What’s in Season’ tea towels are now available, and they’re the perfect blend of practical, beautiful, and meaningful.

Our founder, Milly Fyfe , personally designed the charming seasonal print, inspired by the vibrant produce and natural beauty that surrounds The Countryside Kitchen. Each tea towel was brought to life in collaboration with a talented Lincolnshire-based artisan printer , creating a high-quality, durable, and unique kitchen accessory.

At just £8.99 each , these tea towels are available in our Honesty Shop on the farm – pop by to grab yours!

Can’t make it to the farm? No problem. We can post your tea towel straight to your door. Simply order online using this link: https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/Q5OV3BC1 and include your postal address. The total cost including postage and packing is £11.50 .

Every purchase helps raise funds for our educational workshops , supporting our mission to inspire children, families, and the wider community through hands-on farm experiences.

So why not treat your kitchen, brighten your day, and make a difference all at once? ��

The Countryside Kitchen to host Northamptonshire Social Prescribing group

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:45:25 GMT

Grow, Cook, Eat Discovery Sessions at The Countryside Kitchen

We’re delighted to share some exciting news , The Countryside Kitchen will be hosting a programme of Grow, Cook, Eat Discovery Sessions with SPRING Northamptonshire, led by farmer, food writer, and broadcaster Milly Fyfe . Our next session takes place on 23rd January.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and West Northamptonshire Council , these workshops will be free to attend, with transport and lunch included.

What’s it all about?

The sessions will take place in our farm-based classroom at Orchard Farm in Yelvertoft – the perfect setting to reconnect with food, farming, and wellbeing.

Over the course of six workshops, Milly will share her knowledge and passion for cooking from scratch, showing participants how simple, healthy meals can be created using seasonal and sustainable ingredients. But it’s more than just cooking – you’ll also step outside into the fresh air, enjoy a guided tour of the working farm, and maybe even meet a few furry or feathery friends along the way! After lunch you will take part in some guided mindfulness relaxation with experienced practitioner Claire Hewer-Barnett.

Who can take part?

Three workshops will be dedicated to clients of Spring , running across three separate months.
Three workshops will be open to the wider public, with priority for residents of the Southbrook estate.

Transport & Lunch

To make the sessions accessible for everyone:

Spring sessions will include transport from Brook Street Long Stay Car Park, Daventry (NN11 9YB) at 9:30am.
Public sessions will include transport from Southbrook Community Centre (NN11 4JS) at 9:30am.

All workshops include a freshly prepared lunch – made by participants during the session – so you’ll leave nourished in body and spirit.

Why join us?

The Grow, Cook, Eat Discovery Sessions offer a unique chance to:

Learn to cook healthy, budget-friendly meals
Reconnect with nature in a mindful, farm-based setting
Enjoy hands-on learning in the heart of the countryside
Share food, friendship, and fun

How to Book

Spring clients : Contact your link worker
Hayley: �� 07776 492679 ✉️ hayley.mills@ageuknorthants.org.uk
Angela: �� 07866 420061 ✉️ angela.read@ageuknorthants.org.uk

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your place early!

The Countryside Kitchen Opens Its Gates: Groundbreaking Farm-Based Classroom Launches to Reconnect Communities with Food, Farming and Wellbeing

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:30:06 GMT

The Countryside Kitchen Opens Its Gates: Groundbreaking Farm-Based Classroom Launches to Reconnect Communities with Food, Farming and Wellbeing

On Tuesday 8th July 2025, a pioneering new classroom set in the heart of a working farm in Northamptonshire officially opened its doors.

The Countryside Kitchen is the flagship project of not-for-profit social enterprise No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC , and aims to educate and inspire all ages from primary school children to their parents with the story behind their food and empower them to create healthy meals for themselves.

The initiative is the brainchild of Milly Fyfe—a farmer, mother of two, social entrepreneur and award winning campaigner who continues to thrive despite living with a spinal cord injury.

This one-of-a-kind, immersive classroom is based on a ‘Grow, Cook, Eat, Discover’ model and through hands on learning will enable children, community groups, and families to engage with nature, understand where food comes from, and learn how to prepare simple, nutritious meals from scratch. The project also plans to offer corporate wellbeing days in the future, with all trading income reinvested into supporting its educational mission.

Milly Fyfe, Founder of the CIC, explains:

We are currently conducting research into consumer behaviour around food purchasing and preparation. We know from previous engagement events and feedback that consumers are actively involved with improving their wellbeing, but the issue is that too many lack the skills and knowledge to do it – which is where the concept of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents came from.

“We wanted to build something truly special—where young people and adults alike can experience the joy of growing food, cooking it, and understanding how the natural environment underpins our health and communities. The Countryside Kitchen is rooted in education, resilience, and accessibility. It’s a space for curiosity, learning and understanding of UK food production- something that we believe is vital for everyone’s wellbeing.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support so far. The Countryside Kitchen has been made possible through crowdfunding, grants, and the tireless work of volunteers, with support from prestigious funders including The National Lottery Community Fund and The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Despite this progress, ongoing support is still needed to sustain and grow the project – so do get in touch if you can help in any way!.

Lessons will begin in earnest in the classroom in September but in the meantime, if anyone is interested in booking a group session or wants more information please email: contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

Our supporters

The official launch welcomed Stuart Andrew MP, alongside honoured guests, local businesses, schools and community groups.

In addition, the project has already received the backing of leading voices in the food and farming world:

Jimmy Doherty , farmer and television presenter, commented:

"As a farmer and passionate advocate for food education, I’m excited to support The Countryside Kitchen. Teaching people, especially children, where food comes from and how to prepare it is crucial for nurturing a better connection with the land and encouraging healthy eating habits. No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC is doing fantastic work by creating a space where families can learn essential skills in a hands-on environment. Initiatives like this are vital for building sustainable food systems and helping communities thrive."

Baroness Minette Batters , former NFU President and Chair of the Farm Profitability Review, added:

“The Countryside Kitchen is a brilliant example of what’s possible when farming, food education, and community wellbeing come together. At a time when the future profitability and sustainability of UK agriculture is under review, initiatives like this are vital in reconnecting people with the land, with food, and with the values of home-grown produce. Milly Fyfe’s commitment to educating the next generation, while supporting family farms and rural livelihoods, shows the power of grassroots innovation. I am proud to support The Countryside Kitchen as a model of what can be achieved when we invest in people, skills, and a more resilient food system.”

Raymond Blanc OBE shared:

The Countryside Kitchen is an inspiring venture that aligns perfectly with our shared vision of reconnecting people with the land, the food they eat, and the importance of seasonality. As someone who has championed sustainable British food and farming for years, I wholeheartedly support this project’s mission. By providing hands-on experiences, the Countryside Kitchen equips participants—young and old—with invaluable skills in growing, cooking, and understanding the food they eat. This is a powerful model for improving health, supporting local agriculture, and deepening community bonds. The impact of such an initiative will be felt for generations to come."

The Story Behind the Project

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:03:09 GMT

From Pain to Purpose: Why I Created The Countryside Kitchen

When people visit our farm and step into The Countryside Kitchen, they often ask me how it all started. The truth is, this project grew from a deeply personal place—born from challenge, but fuelled by hope.

After a traumatic childbirth left me with a spinal injury and long-term pain, I found myself searching for something to focus on—something that would not only support my own wellbeing but also help others. As a busy mum, farmer, and former childminder, I knew how tough it was for families to cook healthy meals, stay active, and feel connected to their food. I also saw the widening gap between people and the origins of what they eat. Members of the farming industry are also feeling increasingly low.

That’s when I launched No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC—a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to empowering families with the skills and confidence to grow, cook, and eat well. And now, thanks to funding and a growing network of supporters, The Countryside Kitchen has become our flagship project.

We’ve transformed part of our traditional farm into an educational haven: a place where children can dig up vegetables, adults can learn how to cook from scratch, and communities can reconnect with nature and each other. We’ve already welcomed families, school groups, and farmers, and we’re just getting started.

This isn’t just a kitchen—it’s a movement. It’s about tackling food literacy, nurturing wellbeing, and building a sustainable future, one meal at a time. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created here, and I hope you’ll join us on this journey.

To lend your support, please email: contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk or why not make a donation?
You can do this by clicking on the link here: https://givealittle.co/c/thecountrysidekitchen

Thank you!

Corporate Wellbeing with Purpose: A Day at The Countryside Kitchen

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:57:46 GMT

Corporate Wellbeing with Purpose: A Day at The Countryside Kitchen

In today’s fast-paced world, employee wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. But what if your next team away day could be more than just a break from the office? What if it could inspire healthier habits, boost team morale, and support a social enterprise making real impact in the community?

Welcome to The Countryside Kitchen.

Set on a working farm near Rugby, The Countryside Kitchen is the flagship project of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC. It’s a unique rural venue where corporate teams can reconnect—with nature, with food, and with each other. Our bespoke wellbeing workshops combine practical cooking sessions, gentle physical activity, and mental wellness strategies, all within the tranquil backdrop of the countryside.

You’ll get hands-on in our field-to-fork classroom, cooking delicious meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients. You might even cycle up a smoothie on our pedal-powered smoothie bike! It’s a team-building day like no other—and the best part? Your support directly funds educational workshops for local children and families, helping them build confidence and skills in cooking, growing, and living more sustainably.

So whether you’re looking for a CSR-aligned wellbeing day, a chance to connect your brand with purpose, or simply a refreshing alternative to the boardroom, The Countryside Kitchen offers something special.

Let’s grow something good together.

Email us: contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk

We are 1hr by train from London Euston to Rugby

5 miles from Rugby train station

2 miles from M1 Junction 18

You can even get to us by canal boat as the Grand Union Canal runs through our farm!

Bringing the Curriculum to Life at The Countryside Kitchen

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:44:12 GMT

Bringing the Curriculum to Life at The Countryside Kitchen

As teachers and educators, we know that some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom walls. That’s exactly why The Countryside Kitchen exists—to offer children a hands-on, memorable way to explore food, farming, sustainability, and wellbeing right at the source.

Nestled on a working farm on the Northamptonshire-Leicestershire - Warwickshire border, The Countryside Kitchen is an immersive outdoor learning environment where pupils can discover where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and why healthy eating matters. Our “Grow, Cook, Eat, Discover” workshops are designed to complement the national curriculum in science, design & technology, PSHE, and geography, giving pupils the chance to plant seeds, harvest vegetables, meet the animals, and cook nutritious meals from scratch.

Our sessions are led by experienced educators and supported by a registered not-for-profit CIC, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents. We’ve created a classroom on the farm that’s accessible, inclusive, and brimming with real-world learning opportunities. Whether it’s understanding the journey of a carrot from soil to plate or discussing the environmental impact of food waste, we bring learning to life in ways textbooks can’t. We’ve even become CEVAS accredited with LEAF education which has helped us to think about the amazing resources we have and create engaging activities. Read more about that here: https://visitmyfarm.org/courses

We also know the challenges schools face with budgets and logistics. That’s why we work hard to keep visits affordable, and we’ve even sourced funding to help support fully funded sessions for schools that need it.

So, if you’re looking for a school trip that will leave a lasting impression, get in touch. We’d love to help you inspire the next generation of food-savvy, environmentally aware young people.

Email us: contact@thecountrysidekitchen.co.uk