Algapelago, Bideford Bay, North Devon
Bideford Bay, North Devon
This farm is four miles out to sea. Algapelago grow sugar kelp and oarweed in Bideford Bay, North Devon, on ropes suspended beneath the surface, anchored to the seabed off Clovelly with Lundy on the horizon. No land, no fresh water, no pesticides, no fertiliser. The tide brings fresh nutrients through the farm twice a day and the kelp does the rest, growing up to 3 metres a year and sheltering juvenile fish, crustaceans and marine mammals as it goes. Both species are native to the South West. Sugar kelp has been used to deepen stocks, stews and sauces for centuries, and takes its name from the sweet mannitol that forms on the surface as it dries. The crop is harvested by hand each May, then dried and sold to restaurants, food businesses and cosmetics makers, with 200g sample bags for anyone who wants to start smaller. A quarter teaspoon in a broth is enough. The farm was set up by Olly Hicks, who at 23 became the first person to row solo across the Atlantic from America to England, and Humphrey Atkinson, who managed the first offshore seaweed farm in England. The 120-hectare site was licensed in 2022, agreed in consultation with local fishermen, the Crown Estate and Trinity House, and they've now brought in three harvests. Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Innovate UK are involved in the research side. I'm pleased to say they are the first seaweed farm on Produced Near-By - and why not start with one leading the way in rewilding our oceans to provide sustainable products.
Producer Type
- Flowers, Plants, Garden Items
Certifications and Accreditations
- Organic
- Soil Association
- LEAF Marque
- RSPCA Assured
- Marine Stewardship Council
- Pasture for Life
Awards and Recognition
What sets them apart is the farming itself: a licensed 120-hectare offshore site growing two native kelp species from seed on suspended ropes, harvested by hand, with research partnerships at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Innovate UK-funded work on kelp-based soil treatments with the James Hutton Institute.
Social Media
Instagram: @algapelago
Can people visit or buy direct?
The farm itself is four miles offshore, so as you can guess, no visits are possible. Dried sugar kelp can be ordered direct through the website in 200g sample bags or 2.5kg quantities, in whole leaf, flake and powdered forms.
Website
Address Summary
Bideford Bay, North Devon
Location
About
When we spot a brilliant local producer we add them to our guide, like we have done with this one here. If you're the founder of this business please do get in touch…
When we spot a brilliant local producer we add them to our guide, like we have done with this one here. If you're the founder of this business please do get in touch…