Roaming the woodlands free as a bird
Inspired by the idea that happier chickens lay better eggs, Woodland Eggs created a tree-shaded environment for their hens and allow them to roam free.
If you tuck into an omelette or quiche made with Woodland eggs from Sainsbury’s, you can rest assured that the chicken that helped bring your meal to you has led a happier life amongst the trees somewhere in the UK.
Sainsbury’s Woodland Eggs is the brainchild of free-range egg producer John Widdowson from Devon. He noticed that his chickens spent most of their time under trees, a similar habit to that of their jungle fowl ancestors, who took cover to protect themselves from aerial predators.
John adapted his farm by planting more trees so hens could wander further and follow their natural instincts.
‘Woodland hens spend much more time outside – exploring, foraging and dust-bathing under the trees,’ says John.
He believes his hens are happier and healthier, thriving in their natural environment to produce better quality eggs. Hens that lay organic Woodland eggs are also fed an organic diet and enjoy surroundings free from artificial pesticides.
Woodland eggs are exclusive to Sainsbury’s.
The eggs come from over 180 woodland farms across the UK, where hens are free to forage in the shade of native trees.
It’s not only the chickens that get the perks from this type of farming. Woodland farms are planted with trees which cover at least 20% of the range, and to date more than 300,000 trees have been planted. Plus 1p from every dozen eggs sold goes to the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.
This amount has been put towards tree planting projects in the UK. Woodland farmers also receive a 2p bonus for every dozen eggs supplied, allowing them to plan for the future and ensure they continue to supply quality eggs.
So, next time you’re looking forward to a breakfast omelette, have a think: where would you like your eggs to be laid?
