How things started

The project was started by several like minded individuals on Sark after the main working dairy closed in 2016. This group are dedicated to creating a sustainable community Dairy on the Island of Sark in the Channel Islands. We first set out to find some farmers who would be interested in helping to create a new dairy. Our search went viral which the BBC picking up the news and running the story. We were inundated with thousands of farmers to come create and run the new dairy.

Where are we now

The search for the right farmers ended in 2019 when Jason and Katherine Salisbury were chosen after an extensive process. The construction of the specially designed milking parlour and dairy site began in late 2019 and was completed in 2021 with some delays due to the global pandemic and fundraising. Jason and Katherine moved over from their Suffolk farm and cheese-making business in early 2021, and 15 cows have now been transported from Guernsey.

Then for the first time in over four years dairy cows were milked in Sark again which was a momentous occasion for all involved and those who supported this project. First dairy cows to be milked on Sark in four years

Since the first milking of the heard Jason and Katherine have setup a vending machine where members of the public can come and get their own litre of milk 24hrs a day. This has proven to be a great success with the vending machine requiring to be refilled twice a day during the first couple of weeks.

Sark milk is a big hit with vending machine selling out

Where we need to get to

Jason and Katherine are due to begin producing there farmhouse cheeses which they are famous for back at their Suffolk farm. This will hopefully become an integral part of the dairy production, creating a sustainable and diverse rural business. This will add to Sark's rich history of producing artisan products. The remaining funds that are needed will be used to purchase equipment and cover some of the existing setup costs of the dairy and milking parlour.

Some of the Suffolk Cheeses that Jason and Katherine are famous for

The hope is also to create a eduction programme in association with Sark School, so local kids can gain an understanding of food production and animal husbandry.

This project is vital to our local community and economy. Please help us to finish this project and create a future proof community dairy. Your help will be very much appreciated.

The Sark Dairy Trust Team!

In Memory of Dr. Richard Axton MBE

Dr. Axton was the spearhead behind this project, he knew from day one how important it was to reestablish a working dairy on the Island. When so many people on Sark were resigned to having no and accepting the contraction of rural life and enterprise.....Richard passionately said No! He truly believed that we needed to be self sufficient and that Sark milk, cream and cheese were products essential to our growth and survival.

So we carry on without our Captain but we will reset and do him proud. We will get the project over the line. He lived to enjoy Sark Milk again, to see the dairy working and the crossing to the dairy named in his honour. Axton's Crossing.