SFTG Open Farm Day 2017

Come and see what other members are up to on their holdings between 11 am and 4 pm on Sunday 4th June.  We have 4 hosts in the Herstmonceux area of East Sussex who are kindly opening their farms to members this year.  And it’s free!

Note that the location given is the Horse and Groom at Rushlake Green which is in the middle of the general area.  Paul Lovatt Smith will send details of how to get to each holding when you book.

SFTG Members only.

Here’s a brief description of each holding:

• Maynards Green (Simon and Rachael Bishop):  We have a small holding of just under 30 acres that used to be part of a small country house estate and have had to completely renovate everything. We have a flock of approx 40 breeding ewes being a mix of pure bred Beulah and Suffolk mules that we are currently lambing. We also keep pigs, turkeys, geese, chickens, Guinea Fowl and Bees and we mustn’t forget the Shetland ponies. We have a cutting flower garden and have recently been renovating the Victorian walled garden for fruit and vegetables. In our “spare time” we also run a family business in Tunbridge Wells. We do have toilets and parking but would prefer no dogs.
• Dallington (Helen and Neil Ridge).  Our farm is a family run business in the heart of the beautiful Sussex High Weald, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Under the watchful gaze of the historical Sugarloaf monument and divided by a fresh flowing woodland Gill and an ancient Saxon droving path, the fertile grass produce ample grazing for our flock.  Combining Paddock Gill Farm and Christmas Farm and covering 65 acres of permanent undulating pasture and ancient woodland, Neil and Helen take pride and pleasure in producing and being able to supply to you with high quality pork from our free-range traditional breed Saddleback pigs, and lamb from our pure North Country Mule and Texel crossbreed sheep. We also have pleasure in breeding our Kerry Hill rare breed sheep.  No dogs please.
• Bodle Street (Julia Desch).  A 6 acre smallholding overlooking the valley below Bodle Street Green. Biodiversity is a key element and since 2010 there is a large pond, lots of tree planting, orchard, wildflower patches and Rare Breed Wensleydales. Only 6 now for fleece purposes, but much to see in The Studio in all stages of production.  Toilets available.  Please keep children under adult supervision and no dogs please.
• Hellingly (Paul Lovatt Smith and Helen Webster). A 7 acre smallholding on the top of a ridge overlooking the sea. We have a small flock of Lleyn sheep, some chickens and have had pigs and cattle in the past.  We make our own hay and grow cereals.  For the second year running we are trialling soil-centered growing methods with “minimum till” heritage wheat and “no-dig” vegetable growing.  Toilet available.  No dogs please.

Please make sure that you have logged into this website before proceeding to book tickets.

Bookings