Redwood Rare Breeds is a family-owned independent business supplying the local community with fuel supplies and aims to keep everyone warm, have hot water, and have the ability to cook hot food in their homes.
We share our place for others to enjoy Somerset’s fresh air and natural sensory.
We are incredibly lucky to be able to provide a function area for forest schools and outdoor educational spaces for local people especially those with asperger’s, autism or mental health issues. In addition, our land enables students to perform a variety of activities including art classes, woodworking to gaining photography skills.
Placement students from the local area used Redwood Rare Breeds as an opportunity for them to experience many skills, knowledge and hands-on experience in order to help them achieve Level 2 Animal Care and understand best farming practices.
We are a sponsor and a center for Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award scheme where young people aged 14-24 years old can perform their volunteering, physical and skill sets here. Duke of Edinburgh is an international award for non-formal education and learning that challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements, and make a difference in the world.
HISTORY
Edward Symes started the business in the 1950’s and supplied coal to schools, churches and homes. Coal was delivered by stream train to Wanstrow train station (next door to the coal yard) with wood being cut down from the nearby woodland and chopped up to meet the needs of the local community.
When Edward passed away, his children and now grandchildren took over the independent family-owned and run company. In 2002, Edward’s son Brian sold the loose coal side of the business to Northover Fuels and diversified into pre-packed coal, bottled gas, garden supplies and long-term vehicle storage.
Today, around 120 tonnes of coal is moved within the yard (compared to thousands of tonnes during the peak coal industry) and diversity is required to keep the family run business sustainable and afloat. Therefore, in 2018, planning permission was approved for a rare breed farm park to make use of the agricultural land surrounding the coal yard with aims to consolidate and enhance the business.
PAYMENTS
The yard runs as a cash and carry, where all good must be paid for before leaving the yard.
Payment can be made by cash or card.
All items are priced in GBP (British pounds) and prices are shown correctly when uploaded onto the website.
Prices and stock may change.
FIND US
Located on the A359, next to the railway bridge in Wanstrow, next to Reads agriservices.
5 miles from Bruton, 6 miles from Frome & 7 miles from Shepton Mallet
VAT
VAT varies on the products and services. Some stable items such as milk, bread, and vegetables have zero VAT, Smokeless fuels, calor gas and other burning products have 5% and others such as ice creams, fizzy drinks and some sweets have 20% VAT.
redwoodrarebreeds.wordpress.com 