What's happening at the moment on the farm ......

Well slightly late letting you know but I am sure you will have all seen Scratchy's 8 piglets by now aswell as Itchy's rotound four 'porketeers' as Phil calls them.  They are all faring well and are very amusing to watch if you are passing by.  The chickens continue to lay their lovely brown eggs although for how long I am not sure.  As winter has surely arrived and dark nights are here by 5 pm the days fly by.  It might appear that there is not much to do on a fruit farm at this time of year however by the time the animals are fed, watered and checked every day and wood is split and maintenance work is done on the machinery, another day is done.  We are sending another Highland animal to the abattoir this week so there will be fresh Highland Beef ready for the week before Xmas that has been hung for 21 days. 

Logs for sale

Logs for firewood, and wood chip is available.   As energy prices continue to increase, logs are still good value for money and I can see more people turning to log burners and open fires where it is possible. 

Delivery up to a ten mile radius is free on full loads.  Small or large loads are available, anyone wanting to order or for further information please call or email, for a map and contact details just click on the 'How to Find us ' tab at the top of the page

Clay Pigeon Shoot

Every other Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm there is a clay pigeon shoot. The next one is on Sunday 23 November 2008. The traps are changed every time so that the shoot is different and challenging, refreshments are available.  There is a novice trap for those who are new to the sport and lessons can be arranged, one of our BASC trained safety offices can advise all aspects of how to shoot including Health and Safety.  The clay pigeon shoot is available for private Corporate  Days or as a day activity for Stag parties.  Cartridges can be purchased on the day (subject to availability). Anyone wanting further information please contact us, our contact details are on 'How to find us' above.

Future Dates of Open Shoot:

Sunday 23 November 2008 11 am - 1 pm  - Open Competition

Sunday 6 December 2008 11 am - 1 pm -- Open Competition  - Prizes

Xmas Turkey, Pudding etc

Sunday 20 December 2008 11 am - 1 pm

Boxing Day/ New Year's Day Shoot TBC

Highland Beef

It is ready for sale at the farm shop here or can be ordered though our web page, or ordered and collected at the many Farmers' Markets we attend.  The meat has been hung for 21 days to optimise the full flavour. Fresh Highland Beef will be available the week before XMas so place your order now, see 'The Shop' for prices and details of Boxes.

Allotments

As talk of a credit crunch increases and talk about increasing costs of everthing, particularly food is in the press daily, we have enquiries every week about our allotments and we will shortly be full.  Many of our allotments are being taken by a wide range of people from young families to single ladies, older ladies and gentleman so the 'cloth cap' image has definately changed.  Perhaps it will the latest venue for 'social networking' as many of our allotments are now being taken in two's and three's, that is friends or relations so that they can get lots of enjoyment from them.

There are allotments still available at Peter's Lane, off the Lichfield Road on the way to Pipehill traffic lights.  So anyone interested in having an allotment just email us. 

Come and  See Itchy's 4 Piglets

and Scratchy's 8 piglets...

The Gloucester Old Spot Pigs

                         &

See Hetty, Letty, Betty and Frankie the

Hens and the 7 Mallard Ducklings and

now 3 Aylesbury Ducks

Unfortunately, the fox has had one of our Aylesbury Ducks from the pond but that is nature.  we seem to have an awful lot of foxes about at the moment.  We saw one at ten o'clock this morning and he didn't seem remoted scared by us so its a hard job protecting the ducks.

I hope you enjoy this little diary and I will endeavour to keep you updated with developments.