Work to establish a working farm at Sissinghust Castle will go on - despite the withdrawal of a farmer who was to join the project.

For months, the National Trust has been working to restore the farm at Sissinghurst Castle Garden into a fully-working farm, providing everything from meat to fruit and veg for visitors to its Granary restaurant.

Grower Amy Covey was appointed to oversee the fruit and vegetable project and a farmer from the West Country was due to arrive next month, complete with his herd of dairy shorthorns and a flock of Romney sheep.

However, the former police officer, who lives in Devon, has changed his mind and will not be coming. It is understood The Priest’s House at the garden had been especially decorated for the farmer and his family.

The trust is adamant that the project – the brainchild of Adam Nicolson, grandson of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson who created the garden – will not be abandoned.

The BBC has been filming an eight-part series on Sissinghurst, including the restoration project, which is due for transmission in January.

Michelle Cleverley, trust spokeswoman, said: “As this is very recent news, the project team will meet later in the week to consider the options going forward. The project will certainly not be abandoned.

“The BBC still have lots to film as there are many other elements to the project. The vegetable plot is progressing beautifully.”