Bore Place is a 500-acre estate in the Sevenoaks District combining regenerative farming, education, and sustainability. Established in the 1970s by philanthropists committed to social justice and environmental stewardship, Bore Place has evolved into a hub for community engagement.
Florence Clark, Venue and Marketing Director at Bore Place, explains the estate’s history, “The estate was gifted to a charity, and it’s always been an experimental place,” she says. “From generating energy from cow manure decades ago to pioneering sustainable practices today, Bore Place has constantly explored new ways to live and work in harmony with the environment.”
One of the most recent initiatives is the Farm Gate project, made possible with funding from the West Kent Rural Grant. “We wanted to find a way to engage the public with farming and local food in a more manageable way,” Florence shares. The project includes a pasteurisation system and vending machines that sell fresh milk, and produce from local partners. Visitors can purchase reusable glass bottles and fill them with milk, aligning with Bore Place’s commitment to sustainability.
The farm gate’s vending machines operate 24/7, with Bore Place’s dairy herd also supporting local businesses, including a high-profile cheese maker, Blackwoods Cheese Company, and a market grower. “It felt wrong that people visiting for educational purposes couldn’t complete the picture by engaging with the produce,” Florence explains. “Now, people can see the cows being milked, learn about farming in our visitor centre, and take home milk or other local products.”
Bore Place is equally committed to education, hosting regular visits to the estate for schools, including children with special educational needs, aiming to inspire young people to become champions for nature. “We’ve built programs that allow students to return weekly or termly, which really cements their learning and connection to the environment,” Florence says.
Beyond education, Bore Place estate includes marked trails for visitors to explore its historic farmland, providing a tranquil space to reconnect with nature. The estates’ proximity to London, being just an hour away, makes it a convenient destination for those seeking a retreat in the countryside.
Additionally, Bore Place offers community courses such as chutney making and fermentation workshops, as well as accommodation for retreats, family groups, and weddings. “Our guests love the peace and creativity of the space,” Florence notes. “It’s a venue that helps people reconnect with themselves and with nature.”
Bore Place’s focus on sustainability extends to its land management, collaborating with SES Water to enhance biodiversity at Bough Beech Reservoir and work with local farmers through a farm cluster group to improve environmental outcomes. “We’re constantly looking at how we can do better for biodiversity,” Florence says, referencing the work of its in-house ecologist.
Reflecting on Bore Place’s role in the district, Florence says, “We’re proud to be part of this community and to contribute to making Sevenoaks a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. Everything we do is about connecting people to nature and to the incredible food and farming heritage of this area.”
For Florence, the Sevenoaks district offers the perfect balance of rural charm and accessibility. “I love the countryside around Chartwell and Riverhill, and the view from Ide Hill looking over Bough Beech is unbeatable,” she says.
For more information on Bore Place, or to make a donation, visit www.boreplace.org.
