Our free range, woodland hens, chickens, and Norfolk Black turkeys are free to roam and explore fields and woodland during daylight hours, with access to increased environmental enrichment, allowing the birds to exhibit natural behaviours.

Chickens evolved in the jungles of southern Asia[1], so are naturally suited to outside areas with tree cover, which is why trees are planted on our woodland poultry ranges away from housing, encouraging the birds to wander freely. Our woodland poultry roam in natural grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees, as they would do in the wild; their environment is enriched with pecking objects, shelters, bales of straw and perches which helps them lead an active lifestyle, partaking in activities such as foraging and dust bathing. This increased activity and natural environment produces succulent, delicious products that our customers love.

Our woodland ranges are independently audited, RSPCA Assured and we also collect welfare outcome measures to ensure the birds’ environment and care is at the highest level.

For every bird or egg sold, we make a contribution to the Woodland Trust to help them continue their great work, protecting and enhancing the UK’s woodland. We contribute 1p per dozen free range eggs sold, 2p per pack of free-range chicken sold and 10p per free range turkey sold. So far, our partnership has*:

• Raised over £14 million for the Woodland Trust
• Protected over 2,200 acres of woodland across the UK
• Planted 5.1 million native trees (and counting!)
• Mitigated a potential 1.3 million tonnes of CO2

*figures at June 2024

Our woodland chicken and turkey ranges

Taste the Difference Free-Range Chickens

Our Taste the Difference free range chickens are naturally slower growing breeds, reared for a fuller, richer flavour, and are produced on farms independently approved to RSPCA assured standards.

Norfolk Black Chicken

We have been selling Norfolk Black Chicken for over 10 years, exclusively at Sainsbury’s. The birds have striking, jet black feathers and are naturally slow growing, which helps them to develop excellent muscle conformation, adding to the superior taste and texture. The chickens enjoy a nutritious corn-based diet which gives their meat a richer flavour and added succulence. All Norfolk Black Chicken are reared in East Anglia on RSPCA assured farms which are independently audited to help ensure the birds are grown to high welfare guidelines.

Norfolk Black Turkey

The Norfolk Black turkeys are generally considered the oldest turkey breed in the UK, and are a traditional heritage breed renowned for their fine textured succulent meat and distinct, rich flavour. These birds are naturally slow growing and reach full maturity which allows them to develop excellent muscle conformation as well as superior taste and texture. The farms on which our Norfolk Black turkeys are reared are independently assured and approved to the RSPCA assurance scheme.

Our supplier of Norfolk Black chicken and turkey, Traditional Norfolk Poultry, has specialised in producing free range higher welfare poultry for over 35 years.