Discover Wealden Local Markets

Tuesday, 21 February 2023 15:18

By Sara Whatley

Explore Wealden Local Markets and discover all the delicious and vibrant produce they have to offer. Sara Whatley met some friendly sellers and filled her basket

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The Wealden area is fortunate to benefit from a large number of weekly and regular farmers markets and local markets offering a plethora of fresh, delicious and local produce.

Supporting our local suppliers and makers is a way to benefit our communities and businesses, and also gives us access to unique produce and products that may not be available in big supermarkets.

Find fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables and plants; fresh fish and seafood; local cheeses; baked goods; plant based foods and much more. Lots of produce is seasonal and promotes a healthy and environmentally conscious way of eating.

There are also many makers and artists selling their wares at Wealden Local Markets, such as wooden crafts, candles, soaps, crystals, jewellery, cards, art and fashion. Perfect for presents or a treat for yourself.

Wealden Local Markets promote a strong community spirit and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Buyers and producers have the time and space to connect and forge healthy working relationships, and it’s a great opportunity to engage with others in the community or meet friends for a snack and a browse.

When I visited my local Forest Row Market recently, I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around all the stalls with my family. We were greeted from stall to stall with smiles and warm welcomes, and often a taster of their wares as well. I tried some delicious local goat's cheese and wonderful honey with a real depth of flavour. We then discovered a mouth-watering stall selling all sorts of Turkish baked goods, and we all fell in love with a tahini and honey sweet pastry. We will definitely be back next time for some more of those!

My daughter bought some badges a local artist was selling with his unique stylised drawings of animals on them. Posters, greeting cards and coasters were all on sale too – I liked the foxes but she favoured the squirrels!

Some silky, smooth handmade soaps made their way into my basket; one for me to lather up and some for birthday presents for friends and family. My bathroom now smells divinely of rose and lavender.

The benefits of shopping locally and supporting trades and businesses are significant and include being environmentally and eco friendly, less food miles, enjoying seasonal produce, sustainable practices and a boost in sociable interaction too.

Experienced exceptional quality at reasonable prices and make a Wealden Local Market part of your weekly shop or visit for a special treat on a sunny Saturday morning.

Find out more at www.explorewealden.co.uk

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Discover Wealden Local Markets

Find out more at www.explorewealden.co.uk

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