When Tom and I first laid eyes on Avalen Farm we absolutely fell in love. The farm was previously owned by an elderly couple who loved animals and birds, there were many animal and bird houses dotted around the farm. It was clear that the 8 acres of land had been left to nature for that last few years, everything very overgrown and already re-wilded, an absolute haven for wildlife.
The fishing lake is the icing on the cake, not only is it a stunning backdrop to the camping and glamping field but fishing is a wonderful pastime, enjoyed by many. We have enlisted the help of Bruno Broughton who is a fishery management consultant to educate us on the running of a fishery alongside the camping and glamping.
It’s all about the GREEN journey, as well as the destination.
Our aim is to achieve a silver Green Tourism award within 2 years, we are working alongside Green Tourism to create a sustainable business from the ground up.
Click here to visit Green Tourism
Our dream is to create a sustainable fishing, camping and glamping site where people can appreciate nature and wildlife and enjoy the space around them to enhance their well-being.
We hope to encourage and give a home to more wildlife species here at Avalen Farm.
We have an action plan in place.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are often considered more eco-friendly due to their significantly lower environmental impact compared to diets that rely heavily on meat and animal products. Raising livestock for meat and dairy is resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of water, land, and feed, and it contributes to deforestation, soil degradation, and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. By contrast, plant-based diets reduce these demands, as growing crops for direct human consumption typically uses fewer natural resources and produces less pollution. Furthermore, plant-based agriculture can be more sustainable in the long term, with fewer emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Shifting to vegetarian or vegan diets, even partially, can help reduce individual contributions to climate change, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of natural ecosystems, making it a proactive choice for environmentally conscious individuals.
Healthy eating is essential for everyone to maintain overall well-being, and it becomes especially important for individuals with special dietary requirements. Catering to special diets often involves choosing whole, minimally processed foods, like fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains, to meet nutritional needs while avoiding allergens or intolerances.
Emphasizing natural, nutrient-rich ingredients is important for everyone and ensures that individuals with dietary restrictions can still enjoy a varied and healthy diet tailored to their specific needs.
Listed below are some healthy, vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and shops which also cater for special dietary requirements
While Tregonetha is a small rural hamlet, nearby towns and areas in Cornwall offer a growing number of healthy, vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and shops which also cater for special dietary requirements.
Here are some notable options in the surrounding region:
Healthy Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants:
Strong Adolfos (Wadebridge) 6mi Strong Adolfos
Situated along the Atlantic Highway near Wadebridge, Strong Adolfos is a trendy café with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The café emphasizes local, fresh ingredients and provides an eclectic mix of healthy, plant-based dishes alongside artisanal coffee.
Sabizi (Padstow) 9mi Sabzi Deli
Deli in Padstow with a small menu of vibrant, colourful, plant-based dishes that are different every day. Owner Kate instills her Iranian heritage in the flavours of the spreads, while championing sustainability into the values of her delis. The ultimate lunch box is a must (the dal is incredible), as well as their incredible cinnamon and tahini buns.
Box & Barber Coffeehouse (Newquay) 14mi Box & Barber
Box & Barber is a popular café in Newquay offering vegan-friendly options, including smoothie bowls, vegan pancakes, and plant-based lunches. It’s a great spot for light, healthy meals or coffee.
Vega (Tintagel) 22mi Vega Tintagel
Using organic, fair-trade products where possible, Vega is 100% vegan and located in the historic village of Tintagel along the rugged Cornish coast. They offer up two different menus for different days at the cafe, featuring vegan omelettes, soul food bowls, mac and cheese, curries, noodles and sweet treats like chocolate torte and banoffee pancakes.
The Cornish Vegan (Truro) 23mi The Cornish Vegan
Located in the heart of Truro, The Cornish Vegan is a 100% vegan café and restaurant offering a diverse menu of plant-based comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and cakes. They use locally sourced ingredients and cater to gluten-free diets as well.
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Shops:
Sprout Health Foods (Newquay) 12mi Sprout
Sprout Health Foods is a health food store offering a wide range of organic and vegan products, including fresh produce, plant-based snacks, and cruelty-free cosmetics. They also stock bulk items and eco-friendly household goods.
Archie Browns (Truro) 23mi Archie Browns Truro
Archie Browns has two locations in Cornwall (Truro and Penzance) and offers a health food shop combined with a vegetarian café. Their store stocks a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and organic products, including fresh produce, supplements, and skincare products.
Locally sourced food near Tregonetha reflects Cornwall’s rich agricultural and fishing heritage, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. The area benefits from its proximity to both farmland and the coast, providing a diverse range of produce, meats, seafood, and artisanal goods. Local farmers, fishermen, and producers are committed to environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the region’s reputation for high-quality food with minimal environmental impact.
Local Farms and Produce
Many of the farms surrounding Tregonetha and the broader Cornish countryside specialize in producing organic vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Farmers markets and farm shops in nearby towns like Wadebridge, St. Columb Major, and Bodmin offer seasonal vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, and cauliflower, alongside berries and apples. Local producers often use sustainable farming techniques, such as crop rotation and pesticide-free practices, to maintain healthy soils and biodiversity. Several farms in the region also provide free-range eggs, grass-fed pork, beef, and lamb, ensuring ethical animal rearing practices.
Try Peter Morris Butchers (St Columb) 5mi. For local meats with a friendly service.
Fresh Seafood
Being close to the Cornish coast, Tregonetha benefits from access to some of the freshest seafood in the UK. The nearby fishing towns of Padstow and Newquay supply locally caught fish and shellfish, including mackerel, crab, lobster, and scallops. The sustainable fishing industry in Cornwall emphasizes responsible harvesting techniques, and many local restaurants and fishmongers prioritize “catch of the day” offerings, supporting both the local economy and marine conservation efforts.
Artisan Bakers and Preserves
Cornwall boasts a number of artisan bakers and small-scale producers who create everything from traditional Cornish pasties to sourdough bread and fruit preserves. Locally sourced ingredients are key to these products, whether it’s using Cornish flour for bread or locally grown fruit for jams and chutneys.
Try The Butchers Bakehouse (St Columb) 5mi
Farmers Markets and Farm Shops
Several nearby towns host farmers markets where local producers gather to sell fresh, seasonal food. The Wadebridge Farmers Market, for example, offers a wide selection of locally grown produce, organic meats, homemade chutneys, and artisan cheeses. Farm shops around the area, such as Trevathan Farm Shop near St. Endellion, provide visitors with a chance to buy fresh-from-the-farm fruits, vegetables, meats, and homemade pies, with the added benefit of farm-to-table transparency.
Local Beverages
The region also has a growing reputation for locally produced beverages, including cider, beer, and even wine. Cornish orchards produce apples for cider, with many farms offering both traditional and modern varieties of the drink. Camel Valley Vineyard, located near Bodmin, is one of the UK’s leading wine producers, crafting award-winning wines from grapes grown on their Cornish estate. Local craft breweries, such as those in nearby towns like St. Austell, produce a variety of ales and lagers using locally sourced ingredients, contributing to the area’s thriving food and drink culture.
Sustainable Food Practices
Many of the local food producers around Tregonetha are committed to sustainability, reducing food miles, and supporting biodiversity. By sourcing food locally, residents and visitors are able to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying fresh, high-quality products. This emphasis on local sourcing helps preserve Cornwall’s rural and coastal environments, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the land and sea.
The abundance of locally sourced food near Tregonetha provides a rich culinary experience for those who value fresh, sustainable, and ethically produced ingredients, showcasing Cornwall’s commitment to high-quality, environmentally responsible food production.