NHS Chefs are Invited to an Exclusive Watercress Farm Experience at Waddock Farm

NHS Chefs and Catering Managers from Trusts across Wessex are being offered a unique opportunity to visit Waddock Farm, home of The Watercress Company, for an engaging afternoon of learning, tasting, and culinary inspiration, all focused on boosting the health and sustainability of hospital menus.

Organised in partnership with The Chefs’ Forum, this free event will take place on Tuesday 26th August 2025, from 12-3pm at Waddock Farm, Dorchester, DT2 8QY.

Attendees will gain a ‘behind-the-scenes’ insight into one of Britain’s most sustainable, low-carbon crops, with a focus on how watercress can help NHS catering teams meet nutritional targets while delivering fresh, vibrant meals for patients.

Event Highlights Include:

An Introduction to The Watercress Company by Managing Director, Tom Amery.

Tom said:

“We look forward to welcoming healthcare chefs to the farm – the provenance of watercress is a story worth sharing. From its natural spring-fed beds to its heritage as one of Britain’s oldest cultivated leafy greens, watercress represents the best of sustainable, local agriculture. Understanding where and how it’s grown adds meaning to every plate and reinforces the connection between quality ingredients and patient wellbeing.”

Meet the Growers: Tour Waddock Farm and discover how watercress is grown using natural spring water and environmentally friendly methods.

Nutritional Insights: Learn about the exceptional health benefits of watercress, including its high vitamin and antioxidant content.

Live Cookery Demonstration on The Watercress Company Demo Stage: Watch Mathieu Eke, Head of Facilities Hotel Services at Simply Serve Ltd, Yeovil Hospital, and Alex Brady, Chef Consultant at The Watercress Company, demonstrate quick, cost-effective recipes suitable for healthcare settings with plenty of tasters included.

Goody Bags and Takeaways: All guests will receive a specially designed educational booklet featuring information on the history, farming, product formats, and nutritional research around watercress, plus recipe ideas and QR codes linking to exclusive video content.

“This event is designed to give NHS chefs hands-on experience with a versatile, nutritious ingredient while supporting the shift towards healthier, more sustainable hospital food,” said Tom Amery, Managing Director at The Watercress Company. “It’s a chance to see how a British-grown product can make a real difference on the plate and in patient outcomes.

Watercress is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds with evidence-backed health benefits. By integrating ingredients like this into whole food cooking, we’re not only elevating flavour and freshness, but also helping to meet NHS ambitions around nutrition, sustainability, and locally sourced food.”