The name behind the popular Durham Gin and Durham Vodka is working with New Warlands Farm – a purpose-built facility in County Durham run by the region’s leading provider of services and support for children, young people and adults with autism or other examples of neurodiversity – to source fruit for its syrups.

 

The farm facility, which was established to provide training and vocational opportunities for adults, offers a diverse range of social and skills-for-life opportunities. Situated in acres of rolling farmland, it is the ideal space to grow the very best regional produce including rhubarb, blackcurrants, redcurrants and blackberries.

 

The blend of finding a way to purchase locally sourced berries with an opportunity to support a great North East charity is set to be a cocktail for success for Durham Distillery.

 

The fruit from the farm will be used to make syrups paired with spirits in cocktails and served up at events throughout the year, and especially during the packed summer season of gin festivals, exhibitions and parties. All proceeds from Durham Distillery go back into the charity.

 

Earlier this year, Durham Distillery revealed plans to relocate to the centre of Durham, launching a new distillery and visitor destination, complete with a tour experience and event space. Production of the region’s first whisky will also be distilled at this site, under the Durham Whisky brand.

 

Owner Jon Chadwick said:

It really is a privilege to partner with the North East Autism Society’s New Warlands Farm. The charity makes a huge difference to many lives in the region. The farm and the programmes it offers are really impressive and we always look forward to picking up the latest batches of fruit as they are grown and cared for expertly.

 

“As we look to upscale production in 2019 in our city centre facility, we’d like to work even closer with the farm to diversify what we buy from them, whether it’s fruit for our gin or local produce for our kitchen. We’re excited to continue the relationship and contribute to their excellent services as a result.”

 

The North East Autism Society, established almost four decades ago, provides pioneering services and support for hundreds of people each week through schools, residential homes for children, adult supported living, a further education college, short breaks lodges for adults, a children’s short break centre, adult residential care, family support, toddler groups, the vocational programmes based at workshops and on the farm. It also includes Employment Futures, a service to help individuals with autism, other examples of neurodiversity or learning difficulties find and sustain paid employment.

 

New Warlands Farm programme manager Ian Patterson, said: “We are always keen to strengthen our links with businesses in the county and the opportunity with Durham Distillery was perfect for us. Our adults are very hands on when it comes to growing and nurturing the produce, allowing them to develop vital skills to develop independence and a meaningful way to positively contribute to society. If that can also help generate funds, all the better!

 

At the moment it is a small scale seasonal wield but with so much land, we’re looking at growing different fruit and have already begun planting apple trees.

 

For more information on Durham Distillery visit https://durhamdistillery.co.uk/.