Hello to all our lovely readers. We hope you have been enjoying our content recently. We have loved writing about our wonderful county of Devon again and sharing our favourite places with you. For example, two of the recent blogs we have shared with you some of our favourite walks on Dartmoor and Exmoor. If you missed these and want to catch up on them click here. This week however we have something a little different for you, The Big Butterfly Count.
What is it?
You might be wondering what on earth is The Big Butterfly Count? Well, it is a UK-wide survey/event created by the Butterfly Conservation group that helps them to determine the health of the different species. This event was first launched in 2010 and it has quickly become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies. In 2019 over 113,500 individuals took part in the survey and between them, they submitted 116,009 counts of butterflies and moths from across the UK as you can complete the survey more than once.
Why take part in the survey?
If you are thinking why would I want to take part in this survey? Well, butterfly and moth’s numbers have been decreasing significantly since the 1970s. We all love to see these beautiful creatures in our gardens and that in itself is a great reason for wanting to help them. However, butterflies are actually a vital part of the ecosystem. They are good pollinators and an important part of the food chain. Furthermore, declines in butterflies are also an early warning for other wildlife losses. This is because butterflies are key biodiversity indicators for scientists because they react quickly to changes in their environment. If numbers start to decline then scientists can look into why this might be and help to resolve the issue.
Therefore, by taking part in the survey you are helping to contribute to the work scientists do to help preserve and look after our wonderful countryside, nature and ecosystems.
How to take part.
It is a very easy process to take part in this survey, all you need to do is sign up on the Butterfly Conversation website and download their handy identification chart to help you see what types of butterflies you have. Sit in a corner of your garden, preferably in sunny weather as butterflies love this. Stay for 15 minutes and count how many species of butterflies you see. If you do not have a garden spot you can also count them in parks, fields and forests. Submit your results on the Butterfly conversation website and receive a certificate for taking part. You can do as many counts as you like, just make sure to submit your results by the 9th of August.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog. We would love to hear about your butterfly counts and if you manage to get any photos be sure to put them up on Facebook and Instagram and tag us in the post.
If this was not quite what you were looking for click here to see the rest of our blog posts.
With holiday accommodation now open and many of us keen to get a holiday booked in it can be hard to know what is actually open now lockdown restrictions have eased. Today we wanted to help with that by bringing to you the attractions that are open in North Devon. Plus keep your eyes peeled as we will also release blogs on attractions in other areas of Devon over the next couple of weeks.
Attractions for the Children
Exmoor Zoo
One place that all children love to visit is the Zoo and Exmoor is the perfect place to go. Now open from 9am for visitors the only thing you have to do is book a ticket slot on the day of your choice online before attending, which you can do here. Exmoor Zoo has an abundance of animals from African wild dogs to Cheetahs and of course the Exmoor Beast! You can also take part in activities at the Zoo including watching feeding times, meet the reindeers and more.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Another great attraction for animal lovers is Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Again this is now open but you have to book your tickets/slot online here. Combe Martin Wildlife Park has a great collection of animals including African Lions, Wolves, Seas Lions and Meerkats, to name just a few! Plus they also have some animals which you cannot see anywhere else…. Dinosaurs! The park has over 19 animatronic and static dinosaur models dotted around the park and they bring great joy to children.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
A fun-filled day is to be experienced when going to the adventure park called The Milky Way. Children can jump on the dodgems, run around the maze, become a pro at minigolf or meet the birds of prey at the North Devon Birds of Prey Centre or their outdoor show. There is also a selection of other rides to be enjoyed. Again, you must book online in advance and ticket spaces are going fast so make sure to book in advance. Click here to book online and to read their further COVID-19 information.,
The Big Sheep
Our final children attraction site we have for you today is the famous Big Sheep. The attraction is so pleased to be back open and offering safari walks, scavenger hunts for the young children, their animal barn with baby animals, daily shows and have their cafe open serving delicious cakes. Some of their roller coasters are now also open again. Please click here to book your slot in advance.
Gardens
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
If you want to explore beautiful gardens and grounds then look no further then Hartland Abbey and Gardens. Currently, the grounds and gardens are now open along with the display of filming memorabilia, gift shop and tea rooms. However, they regret to inform that their wheelchair access to the toilet and exhibitions, shop ect remains closed as it is through the main house which is also closed for now. They recommend that visitors bring their own gloves and hand sanitiser for peace of mind while enjoying the walks where a gate may need to be opened and shut. To read more about what’s on offer and their COVID-19 information click here.
RHS Rosemoor
RHS Rosemoor is one of North Devon’s garden gems. It is filled with a variety of gardens to suit all tastes and to be admired by all. They have amazing fruit and vegetable gardens to the famous Rose Gardens plus the new Cool Garden with its amazing sloping paths, stonework and running water. That is not all, there are another 21 other garden areas to explore of different styles! To attend these gardens you need to book a slot in advance and these are selling out quick so book online now.
Arlington Court
A place that the whole family will enjoy due to is fantastic gardens and grounds which are now open but only by pre-booking online which you can do here. Within the gardens, there is the stunning Victoria Garden which is a formal garden that includes herbaceous borders, colour annuals and a beautiful water fountain. The grounds and parks surround the house and include clever planting designed to frame views of the great house. The parkland also includes a wilderness pond which is a beautiful spot for a picnic with the family. You then also have the extended grounds of Arlington Court including the woodlands. You can enjoy a range of walks through these grounds and can bring a dog on a lead. Plus you might get a chance to spot the red deer who live on the grounds.
Marwood Gardens
Another beautiful garden that needs to be on your list to visit is Marwood Gardens which is located near to Barnstaple and is now open. The garden was started by Dr Smart in 1949 where it was simply a house and grounds. It was heavily neglected at the time with no mains water, drainage and electricity. However, over the years that Dr Smart lived and worked there, with the help of some gardeners, they created the beautiful gardens we have today. They include several ponds, an impressive display of champion trees and a wonderful display of camellias and rhododendrons. The gardens are open along with outside seating areas for the tearoom but to read their full information around COVID-19 click here.
Attractions for the Whole Family
Dartington Crystal
Famous for its high-quality glass items, Dartington Crystal’s factory is an amazing place to visit to see how the experts make such amazing products. The visitor centre is now open where you can learn about the story of Dartington Crystal, see the experts at work and even give some craft activities a go yourself. The site also has a shop where you can purchase Dartington glass along with some other great baking/cooking items. Although they are open they do have restricted opening times and some activities are not available so please check their website here for more information.
Quince Honey Farm
Although the main attraction at Quince Honey Farm is not open the gardens, restaurant and shop are, so if you would like a good place for a cup of coffee, a stroll around some pretty gardens and a good look through a well-stocked gift shop head to Quince Honey Farm. To read more about them click here.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
If you are looking for something a little different to do with the family then head to the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. It is the world’s highest and steepest railway which is completely water-powered. The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and as you head up or down you get to witness stunning coastal views. There is a Cliff Top Cafe which offers delicious cream teas to be enjoyed before heading back down. For more information click here.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog, if however it wasn’t quite what you were looking for give the reads of our blogs a read here.
Welcome back to all our lovely readers. The other week we brought you a blog all about some of the beautiful walks you can enjoy on Dartmoor. Well, this week we wanted to talk to you about Devon’s other fantastic National Park, Exmoor. Exploring Exmoor is a fantastic activity to do while on holiday in Devon this year. It is peaceful, relaxing and a great way to explore the stunning countryside that makes up Devon and Exmoor. Unlike Dartmoor, Exmoor is a little softer in looks, it is made of moor, farmland, woodlands, rivers and coastline.
Lynmouth National Trust Circular Walk, Exmoor
One of the most famous Exmoor walks will be that of the Lynmouth circular walk via Watersmeet. Lynmouth is a stunning fishing village, sandwiched in the middle of Exmoor. The sweet town is filled with fantastic, boutique shops and food places which makes it a fantastic tourist spot. Lynmouth also has the twin town of Lynton which sits 500ft above. Lynton is another picturesque village and you can get there from Lynmouth by the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This alone is a great family activity and a stunning way to see beautiful views over Lynmouth. For those wanting to feel the waves between their toes, there is a small pebbled beach at Lynmouth which you can walk along. However, for those wanting to get their walking boots out, there is a brilliant circular route that goes via Watersmeet. Starting in Lynmouth you begin your ascent up the North Devon Coastline, providing you with some beautiful views, before turning into the rolling farmland and finally into woodland where you will find Watersmeet. This is a National Trust site which serves tea, coffee and food. The walk continues to meander following the river back to Lynmouth.
Tarr Steps, Exmoor
Another one of Exmoor walks that has been enjoyed by many is that of Tarr Steps. It is Famous for its ‘Clapper Bridge’ which is the longest and oldest of its kind in Great Britain, dating back hundreds if not thousands of years! There are two walks that can be enjoyed at Tarr Steps depending on your energy levels! There is a short circular route which takes you across the river, around some of the beautiful woodland that surrounds the Tarr Steps and then back over the river using the Clapper Bridge. For those feeling a little bit more adventurous, there is a longer circular route to be enjoyed. Starting at the lovely pub situated at Tarr Steps, you walk right down the Tarr Steps, following the river for around 2 miles. You will reach an area of open grassland where you want to turn right across the grassland and into the woods. Continue on this path and through several gates until you reach Withypool. Pass the Royal Oak Inn, or even pop in for a half-way drink and then cross over the Withypool bridge. You will walk uphill towards Hawkridge which will provide you with stunning views of Exmoor. Keep walking until you reach Westwater Farm before turning onto the path signalled Tarr Steps.
Valley of the Rocks, Exmoor
One of the Exmoor walks which showcases the moors stunning, rugged coastline is the Valley of The Rocks. The theory suggests that the River Lyne used to go through the valley but then changed its course to reach the sea at Lynmouth. There are several spots where you can stop and go for a climb to enjoy the stunning views over the sea. However, one walk to be enjoyed starts at the Exmoor National Park car park at the eastern entrance to the valley. Once parked you cross the road and follow the footpath directly ahead which follows the western section of Hollerday Hill. The path will reach a T-juntion at which you will turn left and stroll along the South West Coast Path with stunning views of the sea to the right. During your walk along the coastline, you may spot a feral goat or two! During the walk, you will reach a roundabout style spot where you can descend down a path to a secluded shingle beach, the perfect spot for a picnic. Back on the path, you will descend towards Lee Abbey, steer left from the mansion and start a gentle incline, as you approach a woodland,take a sharp left and follow along the bridle path. When you reach a switchback, leave the bridleway and go straight ahead along a trail that zig-zags through the heather to join a path leading east above South Cleave. Stay on this path and it will lead back to the car park where you started.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed this blog and have been inspired to grab your walking boots and head out onto Exmoor. If you want to learn more about our accommodation click here, or alternatively read our previous blog about walks on Dartmoor.
The UK has lots of amazing locations to escape for a great holiday, but there is something about Devon that is just magical. We might be biased as the people who live here, but we feel there is nowhere better. Don’t believe us? Well then take a read of our blog to discover why Devon might be next on your holiday list.
The Accommodation
Firstly, here at Devon Farm Holidays, we provide some extremely high-quality, comfortable holiday accommodation. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation, we have a wide selection, from single cottages secluded on their own to holiday venues which have several cottages, a perfect choice for a big family holiday. Additionally, here at Devon Farm Holidays, we have a range of beautiful Bed and Breakfasts, all with comfortable rooms and delicious farmhouse breakfasts. Finally, we even have some camping spots for those who would like to get the family camping this year for something different.
The Beaches
When it comes to beach holidays and beach days, you cannot get any better than Devon. It has such a variety of beaches across every coastline, which makes it the perfect destination for the whole family. In North Devon, you have the surfing beaches, perfect for the adventurous ones in the family or an activity couples break. The likes of Croyde, Woolacombe and Putsborough are great spots or even Saunton Sands for the longboarders. However, there are areas on Woolacombe, Putsborough and Saunton Sands that are calmer and just right for those just looking for a dip in the sea. Finally, if you are on a family holiday, then Westward Ho! Is a must stop with its big stone wall, long sandy beach and of course the arcade. Then on the East coast, you have the dramatic Jurassic coastline, with its sharp lines and gentle seas. Enjoy beaches such as Branscombe and Sandy Bay as well as Seaton and Beer Beach. They all boast long stretches, gentle waves and great places to explore.
The Countryside
A great bonus about Devon is that you could be on the beach in the morning and by the afternoon you could be walking through woodlands or moorland. Everything is relatively close to each other in Devon, yet still provides a feeling of space. Although Devon has some of the most amazing beaches, its countryside does not like to be outdone. In Devon, we are blessed with the green rolling hills, dense woodlands and of course the famous Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. If you want to get out into the countryside and explore, then there are lots of great walks available. Lynton & Lynmouth have an amazing Exmoor walk, starting in the village before rising onto the cliffs, bending round into the countryside, before descending into the woodland and strolling back by the river, not before enjoying a scrumptious coffee and cake at the National Trust Cafe! Another great moorland walk is of course on Dartmoor and is the Lydford Gorge, a place where you can enjoy a good walk, with several routes for different abilities and come face to face with an amazing and powerful waterfall. For those wanting a walk with extraordinary sea views then Salcombe to Hope Cove in South Devon is a must. You can catch a ferry from Salcombe and you can walk straight up the beautiful valley at Mill Bay, this then opens up as you reach the top and start the lovely walk to Prawl.
The Farms
As our name suggests, many of our holiday accommodation providers are situated on farms. For many people and as our previous guests have told us this is a brilliant addition to a holiday. Many of our guests have the chance to meet the animals, go on farm tours, learn about the profession and even feed the animals. For children it is wonderful, you can see it light up their face as they meet lambs in the spring or feed chickens in the autumn. For adults, many of the previous guests have found it interesting to learn about the animals and the farmers.
The Gardens
Many of the gardens are now open and welcoming visitors but do check to see if you need to book in advance. When it comes to gardens, you are spoilt for choice in Devon. There is a range of National Trust and RHS gardens to choose from. Up first is the famous RHS Rosemoor Gardens, a stunning garden which boasts a variety of planting and has a shepherd’s hut for takeaway tea and coffee and the lovely garden centre section is also open. For East Devon a must-visit is the Bicton Botanical Gardens, it has over 64 acres to explore. The main highlight of the garden, however, is the tropical house with its 18,000 panes of glass which was built 20 years before Kew Gardens! Finally, if you are visiting South Devon then head to Killerton House. It has a fantastic selection of mature trees which makes it the perfect garden for those who love trees.
The Attractions
Many of the attractions in Devon are very excited to have opened their doors to visitors once again. However, please be aware that each will have individual restrictions so please take a look at their website before attending. Many attractions are requesting guests to pre-book online before arrival. Devon has a variety of attractions, from roller coaster rides for the children to craft making for the adults. In North Devon, you have the likes of The Big Sheep Family Attraction, Dartmoor Zoo and the Milky Way which are perfect for a fun-filled day with the children. For the adults, you can head to Quince Honey Farm to learn all about the life of bees or ride the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff railway which is opening on the 18th July. If you are visiting South or East Devon, Crealy is another excellent activity centre for children. Alternatively, for the whole family, you could head to Paignton Zoo or Pennywell Farm, again many are requesting pre-bookings online before attending. For the adults, you could head to Devons Gin School in Dartington and create your very own unique bottle of gin!
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed this blog and can now understand why we think Devon is the best place to come away on holiday (we may be a little biased). For more information on what else you can get up to in Devon be sure to keep up to date with our blog. Alternatively, for information on our accommodation head to our website. Also when you book with Devon Farm Holidays you book direct with the accommodation. Which means no booking fees!
With many of our Holiday Accommodation providers opening up on the 4th of July, lots of us will be looking to get some holidays booked in. However, you might be thinking – what can we do while away on holiday? Well, here in Devon you are spoilt with an abundance of outdoor activities including wonderful walks. This week we wanted to share with you some of the amazing walks or cycle routes for you and your family can enjoy on Dartmoor.
The Granite Way
The Granite Way is a beautiful cycle or walking route that starts at Okehampton in Devon. The walk stretches to 11 miles, but you can choose to turn back at any point that suits you. It is a flat route that wheelchair users can access. It is widely enjoyed due to its fantastic views of Dartmoor and named the ‘Granite Way’ due to the abundance of granite formations you see along the way that makes Dartmoor so famous. The route largely follows the old Southern Railway line towards Lydford.
Princetown Audio Walks
For something a little different, you can enjoy a guided audio walk across Princetown, Dartmoor. It is a 6-mile circular walk starting from the High Moorland Visitor Centre, taking you through moorland to an aqueduct, a waterfall and past Bronze Age settlements. At each stopping point, the audio will provide you with history and information on the area.
Dartmoor Llama Walks
If you fancy some company with you on your walk around Dartmoor then head over to the Dartmoor Llama walk and enjoy walking with a Llama! The Dartmoor Llama Walks provide guided walks with their Llamas. Set in the stunning location of the Dartmoor National Park, they have 6 Llamas and travel across the moorland, granite tors and farmland for an all-round fantastic trip out. Plus there is no need to carry your own pack lunch as the experience Llamas do that bit for you!
White Tor
Exploring one of Dartmoor’s Tor is a must for the keen walkers amongst us. This walk is a little more challenging than the previous ones but worth it for the stunning, panoramic views of Dartmoor once you reach the top. The White Tor stands above the Tavy valley, and its summit includes stone structures that were assumed to be part of an Iron Age fort but now are thought to be more likely a Neolithic enclosure! The walk begins at the Pork Hill car park on the B3357 and heads for Staple Tor, then onto the nearby Roos Tor and then across moorland to the Langstone Moor stone circle. From here you will start your ascent to the summit of White Tor.
Potter’s Walk
If you are looking for a gentle stroll then the Potter’s Walk at Fernworthy Reservoir is a great choice. The walk is only 0.75 miles and starts in the Fernworthy Reservoir car park. The route is mostly flat and does not include any steps, gates or styles. There are also great spots to sit and rest or even have a picnic and enjoy the surroundings.
Haytor
Finally, Haytor is another lovely location to get outside and enjoy the countryside. The Tor itself is an impressive site with huge granite formations, while the area posts an abundance of different walks to be enjoyed. These include the Haytor Audoi walk, an 18 mile Templer Way trail and more.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and have discovered some interesting activities you can do if you come on holiday to Devon. For more information on our holiday accommodation options please click here.
Welcome back to our lovely readers, we hope you are all well. We are still all feeling a little lost without our guests at the moment but cannot wait to welcome you all back to Devon. In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying our blogs and we hope it provides you with a little glimpse into Devon virtually. In fact, if you have not already, you should give last week’s blog a read, where we teach you how to make bird feeders so that you can connect with nature in your garden. Click here to read. This week we are back with another delicious recipe for you to try at home which has been provided to us by East Hook Holiday Cottages.
Who are East Hook Holiday Cottages?
East Hook Holiday Cottages is a stunning holiday cottage site located near to Okehampton in Devon. It has three lovely holiday cottages including the Meadow Sweet which sleeps four. It has a cosy sitting room and a country-style kitchen and an additional dining room, perfect for family meals.
The Daisy Cottage is the largest of the cottages, sleeping seven. The cottage is over 300 years old and is a true Devon country cottage with exposed beams and charm.
The final cottage is the Clover. Another stunning 300 year old Devon country cottage with its original thatch. The cottage includes a spacious, well-equipped kitchen, a cosy living room, a downstairs bathroom and three bedrooms which can sleep up to seven people.
If you want to learn more about East Hook Holiday Cottages and what they have to offer, click here.
East Hook Holiday Cottages Recipe of Choice
East Hook Holiday Cottages wanted to share with you a recipe that they describe as ‘So simple, so delicious, so Devon! Westcountry Junket’.
Ruth the owner of East Hook Holiday Cottages said, ‘ The Westcountry summer dessert of junket has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. When I was growing up my Mother made it, as soon as my father brought in the warm milk, in the milking bucket, straight from the cow. Back then the first thing she did was to strain it through a muslin cloth, to ensure it was ready to use. It was the staple dessert for summer Sunday dinner’.
The Ingredients
1 pint of full cream milk
2 oz. of caster sugar
2 dessert spoons of Essence of Rennet
Small amount of Nutmeg
Ruth purchased her Essence of Rennet from Waitrose but it can be found in some health shops and online.
The Method
Put the sugar and the milk in a saucepan and warm to 37 degrees C. If you do not have a cooking thermometer you can guess. You want the milk just warm enough to dissolve the sugar.
Take off and pour into a pre-warmed serving dish of your choice.
Add two dessert spoonfuls of Rennet and stir three times clockwise and then half anti-clockwise.
Grate nutmeg on the top and stand aside to cool and set.
Once cool enjoy topped with Devon clotted cream.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and recipe. If you decide to give it a go for yourself be sure to tag us in your finished dishes using the tag @devonfarms for Facebook or @devonfarmholidays for Instagram. Alternatively, feel free to email it to our social team at socialmedia@devonfarms.co.uk.
If you want to learn more about East Hook Holiday Cottages click here.
Hi everyone! Welcome back to our weekly blog here at Devon Farm Holidays. We hope you are all keeping well. Although many shops have opened this week and more people are beginning to start more ‘normal’ work routines there are many of us still at home, whether that is furloughed, working from home or even homeschooling children. Additionally, even for those of us that have gone back to work it is far from normal and brings its own difficulties. Whatever your current situation there is no denying that things can feel a little stressful. One way to combat that stress is to get outdoors with nature. This is something that all our accommodation providers feel is a great way to relax and take some time. When you sit in your outside space you notice the wildlife moving around you and that includes the wonderful birds we have here in the UK. Bird watching is something that attracts lots of people love to come to Devon to do but today we wanted to share with you a way to attract more birds right to your own door. This is through making your own bird feeders with helpful advice from the RSPB.
What you need to make bird feeders
Mixed seeds
Mealworms
Nuts (unsalted)
Raisins
Hard Cheese
Mixing Bowl
Scissors
String
Moulds (old yoghurt pots are a great choice)
Lard
How to make your bird feeders
Step One – Get your mould or yoghurt pot and make a small hole in the middle. Thread the string through the hole and tie a knot large enough to make sure the mould/yoghurt pot does not slip through the string. Make sure you leave enough string to be able to tie the feeder to where you would like it in your garden. When you are happy with the length cut the string.
Step Two – Next you want to make sure your lard is at room temperature, but not melted as it will be too difficult to use. Cut your lard into squares and put it into the mixing bowl.
Step Three – Chop up your hard cheese into small squares, then add to your mixing bowl. Add the other ingredients (mixed seeds, mealworms nuts, raisins). Next mix all the ingredients together with your fingertips. Keep adding seeds, raisins and cheese to the mixture until the fat holds together. Be warned things can get quite sticky and most definitely fun for children!
Step Four – Fill your moulds/yoghurt pots with the mixture and place in the fridge to set for around an hour or so. Then simply hang your feeders in your garden and watch the variety of birds appear.
Share your feeders with us
When you have made your feeder you can record it as completed on the RSPB website, follow the link below to learn more.
We would also love to see your finished bird feeders so be sure to tag us in your social posts. For Facebook use the tag @devonfarms and for Instagram use the tag @devonfarmholidays.
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.
Hi everyone, welcome back to our Devon Farm Holidays blogs. We hope you are all keeping well and safe. Here at Devon Farm Holidays, we have been thinking about what we can write about that is genuinely interesting and useful during all of our current circumstances. One thing we have noticed people do a lot more of is home cooking. Whether it is baking banana bread (which everyone seems to be doing!) or trying a new home-cooked meal, it has been fantastic to see all the amazing food. This got us thinking, many of our accommodation providers cook beautiful meals, puddings and cakes for their guests. Therefore, we thought it would be lovely to bring you some of their favourite recipes for you to try out at home. This week we are catching up with West Down Guest House on one of their favourite main meals.
Who is West Down Guest House
We thought we would provide you with a little intro into West Down Guest House and its lovely owners. West Down Guest House is located in North Devon, between Barnstaple, Torrington and South Molton. It is a very sweet Bed and Breakfast with three beautiful rooms. These include the Marwood room which is a spacious room with a king-sized bed and en-suite shower room. It is located on the first floor and overlooks stunning views of West Down’s gardens and the rolling hills of North Devon.
The Swallow room is wheelchair accessible with ramp access directly from the car park. The room is furnished with a queen-sized bed which can be converted into two twins on request. The en-suite wet room consists of a shower with a moveable stool for use at the sink and has a frame over the toilet. This makes it an ideal room for disabled guests in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Finally, the last room is a family, two-bedroom suite called the Woodpecker which has recently had a new makeover. The room has direct ramp access from the car park but is not wheelchair accessible into the room itself. The spacious room consists of a large king-size bed and an interconnecting door to a smaller room. If you want to learn more about what they offer at West Down Guest House then click here.
The food at West Down Guest House
Being a Guest House, food is a big part of what they do at West Down Guest House. Brenda and Roger love to entertain and cook for their guests and they provide everything from breakfast to cream teas and dinner. Brenda and Roger have been in the hospitality business now for over 50 years! Therefore, you can rest assured that these two know what they are doing!
Brenda wanted to share with you one of her home-cooked main meals which she said is a real crowd-pleaser with her guests. A delicious fish pie with leeks and white wine.
The Ingredients
To be able to make this recipe you will need:
The Filling:
Salmon
Smoked Haddock
White Fish (in total the fish needs to come to 1 3/4lb altogether skinned and cubed)
3 oz of Butter
2 Leeks sliced
3 oz of Flour
1/2pt of White Wine
1 Pint of Milk
1 tablespoon of chopped Parsley
6 Hard Boiled Eggs quartered (optional)
The Topping;
Potatoes
A little bit of Butter & Milk
Grated Cheese
Salt and Pepper
The Method
You want to start with your topping, peel the potatoes and boil them in a pan with water until soft. Drain the water and add a small stick of butter, a drizzle of milk and mash until smooth. Leave to cool on the side.
For the filling melt butter in a saucepan and add your chopped leeks. Stir over the heat and cover with a lid and simmer gently for 10 minutes or until the leeks are soft.
Measure the flour into a bowl, add the wine and whisk together until smooth.
Turning back to your leeks which will now be soft, add the milk and bring to the boil. Once boiling add the wine mixture and stir briskly until the mixture has thickened. Season with Salt and Pepper, then add the Parsley and fish. Stir over the heat for a few minutes then put the mixture in your ovenproof dish of choice. If you are using eggs, now is the time to scatter them across the dish. Leave this to cool.
Once cool spoon the mashed potato over the top of the fish mixture. Once you have evenly distributed the mashed potato across the dish to cover the fish mixture, use a fork to score the top and then cover with grated cheese.
Place the dish into the oven on 200c/180 fan for about 35 minutes, after which your dish should have a nice light brown colour to the top and you may notice some of the fish mixture escaping the mashed potato. For other variations, you can add peas or spinach to your fish mixture and can even swap out white wine for cider instead.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog post and we hope you have great fun at home cooking this recipe. If you do give it a go, we would love to see your photos of your finished dishes so please tag us in your social media photos using the tag @devonfarms for Facebook or @devonfarmholidays for Instagram. Alternatively, feel free to email it to our social team at socialmedia@devonfarms.co.uk. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about West Down Guest House click here.
Hi everyone! Hope you are all well? We are all missing our lovely guests at the moment, but we hope you are enjoying our blog posts. One post that we know was enjoyed was our ‘Characters on The Farm’, so we are back again this week with another one. This time you will meet a cheeky chicken, a beautiful bull and more…. Stay tuned to learn more about their characters.
Cheeky Chickens
Chickens are something virtually every farm has because nothing beats fresh, free-range eggs but they also have great characters. Higher Biddacott Farm would like to introduce Mrs Henny Penny, their Character on The Farm. According to Fiona the owner of Higher Biddacott, the cheeky chicken likes to go into their Grandpa’s cottage and lay an egg in his cat’s bed! Fiona also informed us that ‘Our visitors love her because she loves being picked up and freely gives her eggs away to children who can find her latest nest!! She is missing all our guests’ attention but is looking forward to them all returning soon.’
When most people think of a bull, they think of a big dangerous animal but this is most certainly not the case at Lower Campscott Farm. They wanted to put forward their Dexter Bull, Bizley who has bundles of character and according to the owners despite his large size is a real softy. In his youth Bizley was a real ‘Bullseye’ for the ladies on the farm but now he is more a pipe and slippers kind of chap who apparently loves nothing more than bathing in the North Devon sunshine while gazing out to sea. He keeps lean with his super healthy diet of grass, grass and more grass, but the owners said, ‘ He does like the odd carrot here and there as a little treat’. They also said, ‘Bizley has never been one for running around so leaves that up to the younger Dexters as he looks on wistfully’. Bizley and friends can be spotted along the nature trail walk around the farm so be sure to say hello on your next visit to Lower Campscott.
One special mum that had to be mentioned is Seven the sheep. The reason her owners wanted to giver her a special mention as their ‘Character in the Farm’ is that this year she gave birth to four healthy lambs! According to her owners, she has been an amazing mum and has needed no assistance in rearing them. This amazing sheep and her sweet lambs live at Callisham Farm.
Over at Bampfield Farm, they just had to mention their sweet tabby kitten Fizz for our ‘Characters on the Farm’. According to the owner Lynda, she has such a big character and is a firm favourite with the guests. She is only a year old but Lynda has been keeping her guests up to date with photos and videos on their Facebook page. Lynda told us, ‘She spends hours playing with the children and finding unusual places to hide such as wellington boots and milk crates’. As well as being cheeky, Lynda said you will also find Fizz sunning herself in the garden when the weather is warm. Fizz is good at her job, making sure to keep the mice population in check and her favourite treat is Dreamies cat treats.
Next up we have two amazing alpacas from Quoit-at-Cross called Theodore and Jefferson. Linda and Roger who own Quoit-at-Cross bought these two sweet chaps from a friend in their village and have now owned Theodore and Jefferson for 7 years. According to Linda they are great fun to have around, they love to watch them careering around their paddock, although they do make some awful noise which was a bit of shock the first time Linda and Roger heard it! However, Linda said, ‘These two are very friendly and are protective of any sheep and lambs’. According to Linda, they are both a big hit with guests, many of which have never had the chance to pet an Alpaca. Finally, Linda said, ‘ They are very woolly at the moment, needing to have the shearer come and visit. I guess we are the same, we could do with a visit from our hairdresser too’!
We hope you have enjoyed another one of our ‘Characters on the Farm’ blog series and have had fun getting to know our accommodation providers guests. We cannot wait to welcome you back and you can get the opportunity to meet these cheeky characters in person. If you would like to know more about our accommodation head to our website.
