Welcome back everyone, hope you are all keeping well? We hope you enjoyed last week’s blog on West Down Guest House’s very scrumptious Fish Pie recipe. Did anyone give it a go? If so share some photos or thoughts on social media and tag us or email them over to socialmedia@devonfarms.co.uk. We would love to know how you got on. Back to this week however and we are back with a ‘What’s on at The Farm’ series. This time we are catching up with Lower Campscott Farm, a stunning self-catering farm situated in North Devon. Located near to Lee Bay, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe, these stunning holiday cottages and lodges sit on 35 acres of unspoilt, Devonshire countryside. The perfect destination for a family get-together or a couple’s retreat.
What has been happening on the farm
Lower Campscott Farm has been missing their guests, Farmer Tony loves to take his guests on a tractor and trailer ride around the farm and has missed doing so this year. However, running a farm means there has been lots to keep them busy. There has been both births and birthdays on the farm! From Farmer Tony’s birthday who got to enjoy an easter egg theme cheesecake as his birthday fell on the Easter Monday, to the new addition of Willow, a sweet Dexter Calf named to suit her brothers and sisters, Bramble and Blossom who are famous characters on the Farm.
As well as new little ones there has been general animal maintenance on the farm too. Lower Campscott Farm’s herd of Dexter Cattle all had to be TB tested (all passing) and had their hooves trimmed or according to the owners at Lower Campscott, it is what they like to call a ‘Shetland Pony Pedicure’ for the ponies of Lower Campscott Farm. The sheep at the farm have all also been shorn and are now summer body ready! Perfect for keeping them cool in this warmer weather.
As well as the animals there has been lots of general maintenance keeping Lower Campscott busy during these times. They have put in new fencing around the playpark, next to the barns to keep the adventurous and mischievous trio Lewie, Hewie and Blossom (Dexter Cows) from escaping. Lower Campscott Farm has also been busy with renovations on their holiday cottages. The Stable and Granary cottage has been newly decorated and had new carpets laid and new decking has been installed outside Pine Lodge. It has made it the perfect spot to sit with a cold drink in hand and watch the sunset.
Wildlife Activities
In addition to the work on the farm, Lower Campscott like to do what they can for nature and wildlife. So they have been busy in that aspect as well. They have been pond dipping – a process whereby you have a tray or bucket of water and a net, scoop the net around the pond and see what wildlife you have in the pond). At Lower Campscott they found Tadpoles, Frogs and Newts and that was only to name a few. In addition to the pond they have been making bat boxes and bird boxes for the wildlife. According to the owners it has been wonderful to see wildlife making their homes at Lower Campscott Farm. In fact, they saw a family of Bluetits set up home and raise their young before flying the nest last week.
What else have they been up to
As well as working hard to keep the up with the farm work and renovate their accommodation ready to welcome guests back, the owners of Lower Campscott have been doing other fun activities to keep them entertained during lockdown including celebrating VE Day. According to the owners it was celebrated with copious amounts of tea and homemade scones while listening to the 1940’s music travelling up from what’s locally known as ‘Fushia Valley’.
The owners have been keeping fit with bike rides along the old railway line and national cycle network which are both accessible from the farm. They have also been taking local walks through the surrounding countryside, down to Lee Bay and along Woolacombe beach and some of the coastal path, which again is all accessible from the farm. Furthermore, the owner said, ‘Not forgetting our daily Joe Wicks workouts, the hens are also willing participants in this activity when the weather is good and we are able to do the workouts outside!’
Finally, Lower Campscott has been busy renovating their vegetable patch. Having planted lots of seeds, making structures for the runner beans and just having a general tidy up. The owners said ‘We just hope our guests get to try the fruits of our labour before the rabbits get their share’.
What is next for the Farm
Lower Campscott may have been busy over the past few months but there is no slowing down for them. Up next they plan to reconfigure the small animal enclosure, re-render and paint the farmhouse, lots of gardening and fencing. They also have some pretty big news, as of October, they will officially be organic. It is a fantastic way that they can work more closely with the environment while being recognised for all their efforts so far. The owners said, ‘ Now our delicious meat will get the recognition it deserves… it’s not just meat, it’s Lower Campscott Organic meat.’
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed catching up with Lower Campscott Farm and what they have been up to. If you want to learn more about them and their accommodation be sure to check out our website.