New Heddens of Woodtown farm shop to open at St John’s Ashford

A new farm shop is opening at St John’s Garden Centre at Ashford a little later this year.

Heddens of Woodtown, based at Woodtown Farm in Bideford, has teamed up with St John’s to create a new ‘field to fork’ offering at the garden centre between Barnstaple and Braunton.

A range of fresh local produce will include farm fresh meat and seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as locally-sourced fresh fish, cheese and deli items.

The meats will be sourced directly from the Hedden family’s home of Woodtown Farm, which is only some 7.5 miles away from Ashford as the crow flies across the estuary, so the produce does not have far to travel.

Above and below: A graphic design of how the new Heddens of Woodtown farm shop at the Ashford St John’s Garden Centre site will appear. Credit: Heddens 

Mark Toon and Jason Mellett, who took over the management of St John's in March 2024, are delighted to see the venture come to life and to work with Michael and Hanna Hedden.

Mark said: “Partnering with Heddens of Woodtown is a natural fit for us. We share a dedication to quality and supporting our local community. This farm shop will provide our customers with access to the best local produce, all in one convenient location.”

Jason added: “This collaboration enhances the shopping experience for all who visit us at St John's. By bringing together gardening, homewares, a restaurant and fresh local produce, we're truly becoming a destination for the community.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Michael and the team on bringing this vision to life and we’re very much looking forward to working closely together over the coming years!"

Michael Hedden said: “Hanna and I are absolutely thrilled to be opening the new farm shop at St John’s Ashford.

“Our family has been farming in North Devon since before the Second World War and it’s an honour to continue that legacy by bringing fresh, local produce to our community.

“We have supplied St John’s previously and we’re really looking forward to working more closely with the restaurants and sharing the best of what we grow through this partnership.”

Above: Woodtown Farm’s Hanna and Michael Hedden are looking forward to opening a new Heddens of Woodtown farm shop at Ashford. Credit: Heddens

Michael continued: ”Mark and Jason’s enthusiasm has been infectious from day one, which is why this has felt like such a natural fit — it’s clear we share the same ideas and values, and we’ve had some great conversations built on shared experiences. It has really felt like a team effort to bring this vision to life and we can’t wait to open the doors and see the positive impact this brings to the local community.”

The new farm shop is expected to open in August.