At White Lake Cheese, we are deeply committed to sustainability. As a farm and business rooted in the Somerset countryside we recognise the importance of protecting the environment and working in harmony with the land, animals and the community around us. Our initiatives are designed to reduce our carbon footprint, protect biodiversity, and ensure the long-term health of our farm and the planet.
Our goat’s milk comes directly from our own herd, kept here on our Somerset farm and our cow’s milk is sourced from a local farm just a few miles away, keeping food miles to a minimum and supporting the local agricultural community.
We take care to ensure our goats are well-fed with a high-quality, sustainable diet. Their feed is:
Entirely UK-sourced
Soya- and GM-free
Supplemented with hay from unfertilised fields on the Somerset Levels, rich in wild grasses and flowers
Our on-site flower meadows also provide a vibrant habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals during the summer months.
We are currently in the midst of a four-year hedge-laying programme, restoring miles of hedgerows across the farm. These hedges provide vital habitats for wildlife and are an important part of Somerset’s rural heritage.
Our stewardship of the land is guided by a long-term vision: to leave it in better condition than when we took it on.
White Lake is proud to generate a significant portion of its energy from renewable sources:
Two solar installations: one for our goat farm and another powering the cheesemaking facilities
A 4-megawatt solar farm that contributes energy back to the National Grid
LED lighting installed throughout our buildings, with motion sensors in key areas to reduce unnecessary use
Our goal is to become as self-sufficient as possible.
The goat farm is supplied by an on-site borehole, providing clean, sustainable water.
To heat our milk efficiently, we installed a biomass boiler that uses locally sourced wood. This reduces our carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
In support of this, we’ve planted 7 acres of trees to offset our biomass carbon emissions. Over the next decade, we plan to expand this to cover more than 20 acres.
We grow wheat and maize on a rotational basis for neighbouring farms, using minimum till techniques to protect soil health. We’re actively moving towards regenerative farming methods, including:
Using animal manure instead of synthetic fertilisers
Limiting chemical use to only bee-friendly sprays, and only when absolutely necessary
We're also mindful of our position at the head of the Whitelake River (our name sake) and take great pride in preserving its purity.
Wherever possible, we source materials and supplies from local businesses. This not only strengthens our community but also reduces transport emissions and delivery miles.
Our sales staff use an electric vehicle for visiting customers and attending meetings, helping us further reduce our carbon impact.
The Longman family has farmed this land for nearly 100 years. As custodians of this beautiful landscape - bordering the historic Fosse Way - we are committed to preserving it for future generations.
We believe great cheesemaking comes with great responsibility. Sustainability is not just an initiative - it’s an integral part of how we work, farm, and live.
