Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Winterborne Houghton, our farm is more than just a business; it’s a living testament to our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship. As the dawn breaks over our aquifer-fed ponds, the air fills with the soft sounds of nature awakening. It’s a day like any other at Houghton Springs Trout Farm, where our distinctive Winterborne strain of rainbow trout is nurtured with care from egg to plate.
Join us as we take you behind the scenes of our operation, revealing the meticulous processes that ensure every fish is a reflection of our values — traceability, flavour, and sustainability.
Morning Rituals: From Hatchery to Pond
As the sun peeks over the horizon, our dedicated team gathers at the hatchery. Here, we meticulously monitor our broodstock, ensuring that each egg is fertilised and reared in pristine conditions. Our commitment to traceability means that every trout can be traced back to its origins, providing a clear lineage that guarantees quality.
Once the fry are strong enough, they are transferred to our spring-fed ponds. Each pond is fed by the pure chalk aquifer, ensuring that our fish thrive in crystal-clear water that enhances their natural flavour. The health of our trout is paramount; we assess growth rates weekly, and our fish are conditioned to ensure they are ready for market by the time they reach your table.
Prep Note: For optimal growth, we maintain a strict feeding schedule, utilising a balanced diet tailored to the nutritional needs of our trout at various stages.
The Art of Husbandry: Care and Environment
As the day unfolds, our team performs regular checks on water quality, ensuring it remains optimal for trout health. We adhere to low-impact farming techniques, utilising renewable energy solutions to power our operations. Recently, our installation of floating solar panels has successfully reduced our carbon footprint while providing energy for the farm.
This eco-conscious approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances the flavour profile of our trout. It’s no coincidence that chefs rave about the unique taste of our Winterborne strain. The clean, mineral-rich water and low-stress farming environment create fish that are not just delicious but also remarkably healthy.
Did you know? Our trout have been shown to have a higher omega-3 content compared to conventional farmed fish, enhancing both flavour and nutritional value.
An Afternoon of Grading: Ensuring Consistency
As the sun reaches its zenith, we move to the grading process. Each trout is carefully sorted based on size, allowing us to provide chefs and fishmongers with consistent options. We offer a range of sizes, ensuring that whether you need smaller portions for a delicate dish or larger fish for a family meal, we have you covered.
This attention to detail doesn’t just happen by chance; it’s a result of 45 years of experience and a deep respect for the trout we raise. Every fish is handled with care, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant right up until they leave the farm.
Quick Ordering Tip: For chefs looking to stock their kitchens, we recommend placing orders a week in advance to ensure your preferred size and quantity are available.
Evening Harvest: From Water to Plate
As the day winds down, it’s time for the evening harvest. Each fish is humanely caught and immediately prepared for delivery. We use ice-packed, eco-friendly packaging that guarantees your trout arrives fresh and ready to be transformed into a culinary masterpiece.
Our delivery routes cover Dorset and surrounding counties, ensuring prompt service for both restaurants and fishmongers. We take pride in our reliability; if you place an order, you can rest assured that your fish will arrive in peak condition.
The Taste of Home
At Houghton Springs, we believe that every meal should tell a story. Our commitment to quality, traceability, and respect for the environment means that every bite of our trout is not just a taste of home, but also a celebration of the land and water that nurtures it.
Whether you’re a chef looking for premium, traceable farmed trout or a home cook eager to bring the taste of Winterborne Houghton to your kitchen, we invite you to explore the flavours of our farm.
Discover our offerings today and experience the difference that comes from a family-run trout farm dedicated to excellence. Pre-order your fish or visit us to learn more about our processes and the unique Winterborne strain.
