Willowbrook is a family run, 100% organic and Halal 45 acre farm, nestled away in Oxfordshire. Started by Dr Lufti and his wife Ruby, who were dissatisfied with Halal meat that was available and the lack of ‘Organic Halal’.

Dr Lufti was originally an agricultural consultant and researcher, as well as a lecturer at Oxford University – where he developed a consciousness for the importance of an Islamic ethos in regards to environmentalism and interacting with nature. With a background in social sciences Ruby taught at a private tutorial college, and also worked as an alternative holistic therapist. Until in 2002, they took a risk and quit their jobs, sold their house, bought a rustic caravan 45 acres of land with the dream of living out their desires to lead a spiritually conscious organic and healthy lifestyle – based off their shared values;

“We believe it is our duty to take seriously the role of steward for God’s creation (Khalifa), to produce food naturally and sustainably (Tayyib), to be grateful for the food we receive (Halal).”

Now as their farm has grown, supplying customers across the UK, together with their children, they work to produce natural and sustainable food at the highest standard possible, providing a non GM diet and strictly refraining from using unnatural chemicals and hormones on their animals or their land.

They supply a variety of produce available online or to collect, such as beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, burgers, sausages, as well as locally produced honey. You can also travel to the farm in person and purchase from a selection of fresh and in season fruit and vegetable from their shop on their ‘Open Sundays’. Every Sunday visitors can interact with family, as well as explore the farm and take part in activities, such as workshops and demonstrations, guided educational tours/walks around the farm, and a chance to interact with the animals. There is also a chance to volunteer with them and help out on the farm every Sunday morning. They also have an ecology group with a campsite to provide an ecologically conscious camping experience, and raise awareness about the environment to campers and visitors. As well as various events throughout the year, they run an annual arts and music festival called the Willowbrook festival.

I recently had a chance to visit and what amazed me is the evolution of the dwellings. Their first dwelling and abode was a Rustic Caravan, and it lies within the grounds close to the house which was partly built by the family themselves. It reminds me that to get to a more Organic and Tayyib life, things may not happen overnight, it will be a process.

It was great to meet people who actually live off the grid and are interested in permaculture too. I went to the Willowbrook festival which included everything from clay workshops, painting, archery and kimchi making to name a few activities. I would encourage every Muslim to visit at least once and take your children too. We spent hours in the Woods where beautiful tree houses have been built, listening to stories of the Quran.

I also had a chance to try the burgers and roast beef on the day. The meat is naturally more expensive than your local but there are a few things to remember; We consume way too much meat anyway and on speaking to Dr Lufti he shared that “one chicken can last the family a whole week.” It suggests that our approach to eating meat also should change and ensure that we use every part of the chicken.

If you’ve been to Willowbrook let us know what you thought!