Sustainable Trout Farming on the Banks of the River Avon

Nestled in the historic village of Britford, near Salisbury, our family-run trout farm has been producing high-quality Rainbow Trout for the table market for generations. Located on the banks of the River Avon, we operate in one of England's most unique and environmentally significant locations.

A Rich Historical Setting

Britford itself has deep historical roots, with evidence of Roman settlement and an Iron Age settlement discovered in the early 1900s. The village contains one of the oldest Saxon churches in the country, St. Peter's Church, with parts dating to the 8th or 9th century. Our farm sits on the edge of the Avon water meadows, which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These water meadows were created in the 17th century using a traditional system of flooding fields through ridges and furrows to promote healthy pasture growth.

Britford forms part of one of the last two actively managed water meadow systems in Wiltshire, creating a unique environment that supports both traditional agriculture and sustainable fish farming. This historical connection to the land and water informs our approach to farming—respecting the natural environment while producing exceptional quality trout.

The Perfect Environment: River Avon's Chalk Stream Waters

The River Avon provides ideal conditions for Rainbow Trout farming. Chalk streams like the Avon feature crystal-clear, alkaline, mineral-rich waters that are naturally filtered through chalk bedrock. This creates exceptional water quality that supports healthy fish growth and development.

The aquifer-fed waters maintain consistent temperatures year-round and support abundant invertebrate life including stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies—essential components of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. This natural environment, combined with our careful farming practices, ensures our trout develop excellent flavor and texture that's perfect for the table.

Sustainable Farming Practices

As a recognised member of the British Trout Association, we adhere to the highest industry standards for sustainable trout farming. UK trout farming is highly efficient, with a low Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 0.8-1:1, meaning our trout grow 1kg for every 800g of feed consumed. This efficiency has been steadily improving over the past 20 years, reducing waste products and environmental impact.

Our farming practices focus on several key principles:

• Water Management: We operate as non-consumptive water users, meaning water is returned to the environment after use. Our filtration systems ensure discharge complies with UK environmental standards and is often cleaner when leaving the farm than when it entered.
• Feed Sustainability: Modern fish feed includes vegetable oils, fish oil from human processing waste, and increasing amounts of algal oil for omega-3 fatty acids, reducing reliance on wild-caught fish oil. We adhere to quality standards ensuring responsible sourcing of raw materials.
• Fish Health: Through good husbandry techniques, vaccination programs, and natural functional health feeds, we've significantly reduced antibiotic usage, helping reduce antimicrobial resistance while maintaining excellent fish welfare standards.
• Environmental Protection: We monitor nutrient discharge to prevent pollution, with systems in place to capture solids and ensure our operations protect the delicate River Avon ecosystem.

Quality and Care

Our Rainbow Trout are raised with care and attention to detail, ensuring the highest standards of fish welfare and water quality. Each fish is carefully selected and prepared, offering excellent flavor and texture that reflects the quality of our farming practices and the pristine environment of the River Avon.

We focus on sustainable, responsible trout farming practices that respect the natural environment. Whether you're looking for fresh trout for a special meal or regular supply, our Rainbow Trout delivers consistent quality you can trust. Our commitment to maintaining high industry standards in every aspect of our operation ensures that when you choose Britford Trout Farm, you're choosing quality, sustainability, and a product that reflects generations of practical experience combined with modern best practices.

Looking to the Future

As we continue our work on the banks of the River Avon, we remain committed to sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship, and producing the highest quality Rainbow Trout for our customers. Our family-run operation combines traditional knowledge with modern techniques, ensuring we can continue to provide excellent trout while protecting the unique environment that makes our farm special.

We're proud to be part of the UK trout farming industry, which comprises almost 290 farms producing around 17,000 tonnes of rainbow trout annually, supporting over 1,000 jobs. As a local, family-run business, we're committed to maintaining our place in this important industry while respecting the historical and environmental significance of our location.