Tucked away amidst the rolling hills of Leicestershire, Seldom Seen Farm is more than just a name – it’s a hidden gem. This beautiful 207-acre farm is a haven for traditional farming practices that deliver exceptional seasonal poultry, from free-range geese to Norfolk bronze turkeys.
How Did Seldom Seen Begin?
The story of Seldom Seen Farm began with Claire Symington, a farmer’s wife who wished to keep a couple of geese, just for fun. When Claire turned 35, her husband Robert gifted her two geese, lovingly named Mac and Mabel, and from there, the journey began.
Fast forward to today, and the Symington’s incredible farm is far more than a hobby. Over the past 40 years, they’ve built Seldom Seen into a thriving business, supplying some of the finest free-range Christmas geese to families across the UK, and making them a trusted partner of Forman & Field.
“For my 36th birthday Robert bought me two geese, Mac and Mabel, as pets, because I’d said how pretty they’d look in the farm pond. But it turned out he had another 30 in the van. Now we rear up to 1,200 geese and 600 turkeys every year”
What sets apart their farming methods?
For the Symington’s, farming is as much about tradition as it is about quality. Every bird at Seldom Seen Farm is reared with the utmost care, with each step thoughtfully designed to bring out rich, natural flavours.
Their approach to farming is rooted in producing additive-free, organic poultry, resulting in a superior taste that reflects the quality of life the birds enjoy. Raised outdoors, the birds roam freely on lush Leicestershire pastures, feasting on farm-grown grains and grass, which add depth to their flavour and ensure they mature naturally.
This commitment to excellence in farming, sustainability, and provenance is a reflection of Claire’s culinary background as the former head cook at Leith’s Good Food in London. Her expertise shines through in every aspect of their work and has helped them maintain their high standards.
Our Seldom Seen Geese
A Christmas table centrepiece, Seldom Seen Farm’s free-range geese are something special. Hatched in May and June, the geese are truly free-range, grazing outdoors on lush Leicestershire grass throughout the summer. For a richer, more traditional taste, each goose is hand-plucked and hung for ten days, allowing the flavour to deepen and the skin to turn a gorgeous golden hue – a reflection of their diet, a blend of farm-grown corn and potatoes.
-
Seldom Seen Farm GooseFrom £86.95
-
Seldom Seen Farm Goose Fat£5.95
-
Pommes Chateaux Roasting Kit with Goose Fat£12.95
Norfolk Bronze Turkeys
Seldom Seen’s Norfolk bronze turkeys offer a unique alternative to the typical Christmas bird. This traditional breed grows slowly, achieving a depth of flavour that sets it apart from the rest. Hatched in late spring, the turkeys are brought outdoors as soon as they’re ready, enjoying the fresh air and foraging as they mature. Like the geese, the turkeys roam freely across the farm, enjoying a diet of natural grubs and farm-grown corn, which results in a bird with rich, resonating flavour and a delightful texture.
-
Ballotine of TurkeyFrom £20.95
-
Seldom Seen Farm Norfolk Bronze TurkeyFrom £83.50
A Festive Feast to Remember
At Forman & Field, we believe the best festive meals start with the finest ingredients, and Seldom Seen Farm’s poultry brings an authenticity and quality to the Christmas table that’s impossible to replicate. As more people seek wholesome, responsibly sourced foods, Robert and Claire Symington’s work offers not only incredible flavour but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing where your food comes from.
Fresh geese & Turkey are available for delivery or collection from approximately 20th December 2024.