Oakley's story
In his own words.
A heartfelt look at how Oakley built the farm, what's at stake, and why his work matters to British farming.
A Staffordshire family farm under threat
Oakley started selling eggs and chickens at fifteen. Today the farm employs eight full-time staff and fifteen seasonal staff throughout the year, rears more than eighty water buffalo and is continuing to grow with demand. The council has refused planning, and the buildings he needs to keep operating must come down. Add your voice before it's too late.
Oakley's story
A heartfelt look at how Oakley built the farm, what's at stake, and why his work matters to British farming.
Why we're asking
Oakleys Farm is the result of years of hard work, determination, and a genuine passion for British farming. Oakley's journey began at just fifteen years old, selling eggs and chickens from the farm. Through dedication and perseverance, he has built Oakleys Farm into a thriving rural business that now employs eight full-time staff and fifteen seasonal staff throughout the year, and has become a valued part of the local community.
Over the years, Oakley has carefully developed and reared a herd of more than seventy water buffalo, creating a sustainable farm-to-fork business that produces high-quality meat with a minimal environmental footprint. His vision is to connect people with farming, allowing the public to see exactly where their food comes from while supporting local agriculture.
Despite the overwhelming support from the local community, Oakleys Farm has lost its planning appeal and is now being forced to remove key buildings — the barns, the farm shop, the offices and facilities that are essential to the operation of the business.
The loss of these buildings would have a devastating impact on the future of the farm, the jobs it supports, and the opportunities it provides for the community. It would threaten a business that has been built from the ground up and continues to invest in sustainable British farming.
We're asking the council to recognise the value Oakleys Farm brings to the local area and to work towards a solution that allows this family-run business to continue operating and growing.
Across the country
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The people standing with Oakleys Farm — in their own words, in their businesses, and through ten years of memories.
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If your business benefits from Oakleys Farm being open — as a supplier, a neighbour, an employer of local people — your endorsement carries real weight with the council.
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