Exceptional Salmon from Downton, Salisbury
Prioritising fish welfare
Zero chemicals or antibiotics
Clean water, calm conditions, and careful farming — the difference you can taste.
The quality of salmon begins with the environment it is raised in
At Avon Valley Salmon, our land-based farming system allows salmon to grow in clean, stable conditions without chemicals or antibiotics. The result is salmon with outstanding texture, flavour, and freshness — raised with care from start to finish.
Why our salmon are different
Most salmon sold in the UK are raised in open sea cages, where conditions are unpredictable and fish are exposed to parasites, disease, and pollution.
Our salmon are different because:
They are raised entirely on land
They are never exposed to sea-lice or jellyfish
No antibiotics or chemical treatments are used
Water quality is carefully controlled at all times
This creates an environment where salmon can grow healthily and naturally.
Clean conditions, clean flavour
Salmon raised in a calm, clean environment develops exceptional eating quality.
Our customers consistently notice:
Firm, delicate texture
Clean, fresh flavour
Natural colour without additives
Consistent quality from fillet to fillet
Because our fish are not exposed to environmental stress, their quality remains consistent — something that is difficult to achieve in open sea farming.
Freshness you can trust
Avon Valley Salmon is raised in Downton, Wiltshire, close to where it will be enjoyed. This means:
Shorter transport times
Greater freshness
Full traceability from farm to plate
Reduced reliance on long-distance imports
Our salmon does not need to travel thousands of miles to reach UK consumers.
Raised without antibiotics or chemicals
Food safety matters.
Because our salmon are raised in a closed, land-based system pumping groundwater
There is no entry point for the pathogens and parasites that are in seawater
Antibiotics and chemicals cannot be used or they would destroy the biofilter
Water quality is continuously cleaned using a biofilter
Conditions remain stable and predictable providing a stress free environment
This approach gives consumers confidence in the food they are serving to their families.
Land-based vs conventional sea-farmed salmon
Conventional sea farms
Open to parasites and disease
Often require chemical treatments
Waste released directly into the sea
Fish exposed to environmental stress
Avon Valley Salmon
Fully land-based and closed
No parasites, no antibiotics
Waste captured and treated
Calm, controlled environment
Perfect for every kitchen
Avon Valley Salmon is ideal for:
Pan-frying
Oven-roasting
Grilling
Curing and smoking
Its clean flavour and firm texture make it suitable for both simple home cooking and professional kitchens.
Built on proven expertise
The team behind Avon Valley Salmon has more than a decade of experience producing premium land-based salmon in Europe.
This experience allows us to:
Maintain consistent quality
Optimise fish welfare
Deliver salmon that meets the highest standards
Quality is not accidental — it is the result of experience and careful farming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Avon Valley Salmon?
We use a fully land-based, closed farming system designed around fish welfare, environmental protection, and food quality.
Is Avon Valley Salmon wild or farmed?
They are raised on land in a carefully controlled environment, rather than in open sea cages.
Why is land-based farming better for fish welfare?
Land-based farming allows us to control the environment our salmon live in.
This means:
- No parasites or sea-lice
- Stable water quality
- No exposure to jellyfish or marine pollution
- Reduced stress for the fish
A calm, stable environment supports healthier fish.
Do you use antibiotics or chemicals?
Because our system is fully closed and free from parasites, we do not use antibiotics or chemical treatments.
Is this approach recognised by independent organisations?
The farming principles used at Avon Valley Salmon are based on methods that have previously achieved WWF “Green” fish welfare benchmarks at other land-based farms operated by our team.
Is land-based salmon safe to eat?
Our salmon are raised in a clean, closed system with continuously monitored water quality. The absence of antibiotics and chemical treatments provides additional reassurance for consumers.
Does land-based salmon taste different?
Yes — many people notice a cleaner, fresher flavour and a firmer texture.
This is a result of:
- Clean water
- Stable conditions
- Reduced stress on the fish
Is the colour natural?
The colour of our salmon comes from its diet. We do not add any artificial colouring.
How much water does the farm use?
Around 95% of the water is continuously recycled and purified.
Only a small amount of fresh water is added each day, significantly reducing overall water use compared with traditional fish farming.
What happens to waste from the farm?
It is treated responsibly and recycled, including use in biogas systems, rather than being released into rivers or seas.
Does the farm affect wild salmon or local rivers?
No.
Because the farm is fully enclosed:
- Fish cannot escape
- There is no interaction with wild fish
- Discharge water is treated and remains well below legal limits
This protects the local environment, including the River Avon.
How is this different from Scottish sea-farmed salmon?
Traditional sea-farmed salmon is raised in open cages in the sea.
This exposes fish to parasites, disease, and environmental pressures, often requiring chemical treatments.
Avon Valley Salmon is raised entirely on land in a closed system, without antibiotics or chemicals, and with greater control over fish welfare and environmental impact.
Is land-based salmon “natural”?
Our approach focuses on creating a natural, stress-free environment for salmon.
By removing parasites, pollution, and disease pressures, we allow salmon to grow healthily without intervention.
Where is Avon Valley Salmon located?
When will Avon Valley Salmon be available to buy?
You can sign up on our website to receive updates on availability and news from the farm.
Is Avon Valley Salmon British?
Our salmon is raised in the UK, in Wiltshire, by an experienced team specialising in land-based salmon farming.
Why choose Avon Valley Salmon?
Because it is raised:
- With fish welfare at its heart
- Without antibiotics or chemicals
- In a clean, controlled land-based system
- Close to UK consumers
We believe this is the most responsible way to produce premium salmon.
Coming soon
We are preparing to make Avon Valley Salmon available directly to UK consumers.
Sign up to receive updates on availability, farm news, and behind-the-scenes insights.