Category Archives: Saddlescombe

Raw wool on offer

Posted on

wool
Are there any keen felt makers and spinners who would like some raw fleece, or anybody considering insulating an outbuilding with cheap wool? Wool is also a great weed (and slug!) barrier and helps maintain soil moisture in the garden/allotment.

Our flock needs to be shorn every year for welfare reasons, the global market for wool has been shut since February and remains closed at time of writing. February to May is normally the busiest selling period of the year for the British Wool Marketing Board – as a result there is circa 9 million kgs of last years wool still unsold.

We will soon have over 1300kg of wool needing a home – if you or anyone you know would like some wool please send an email to camillaandroly@gmail.com with an approx. weight you would like and we will let you know when you can come and collect, with your own bags. We would just ask for a donation.

Camilla and Roly

Saddlescombe Farm

Posted on

Feeding lambs

Lambing Open Days — 30th and 31st March plus 6th and 7th April 2019, 10:00am–4:00pm. No need to book — just turn up.

Please join us on our working family farm for our annual lambing open days. We open the farm gates for visitors to see us at our busiest time and share with us the hustle and bustle of our farmyard during lambing. Visitors will see newborn lambs and maybe a lamb being born, an amazing experience. We are keen to share the respect and care we give our sheep and the vital role they play in managing the precious species rich chalk downland on the South Downs. Other highlights include bale climbing, pigs, tractor and trailer rides (weather permitting), BBQ, and vegetarian food from the Wildflour Cafe.

Wreath DIY at Saddlescombe

Posted on

Christmas Wreaths National Trust 2015
Create your own Christmas wreath with materials collected from the downs. Take a festive walk and collect your holly and ivy. Return to historic Saddlescombe farm to make your very own Christmas decorations in front of log burning stoves. Mulled apple juice, mince pies and roast chestnuts will be included.

Ten sessions available: 17th–21st December 2018, from 10:00am–12:00 noon or 1:00pm–3:00pm. Booking essential: one session has already sold out.

Mycology on Wolstonbury Hill

Posted on

Mushrooms at night
Friday 26th October 2018 from 9:30 to 15:00. The order of the day: 9:30am meet at Saddlescombe; 10:00am go out hunting for fungi in Wolstonbury woods and across open downland; 12:00 noon lunch, with glorious views across Sussex; 2:00pm return to Saddlescombe Farm for a cup of tea and cake in the new heated barn; 2:15pm go through our finds with expert mycologist Martin Allison and look at some of the more interesting species under the microscope; 3:00pm finish. Booking essential.

Fungal Foray

Posted on

The Devil's Dyke fungi hunt - part 1
Join mycologist Martin Allinson for a day of recording as many species of fungi as possible across Newtimber Hill on Friday 19th October from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Wear suitable clothing and bring lunch. Tea and cake will be served upon return to Saddlescombe. Supervised children are welcome. Booking essential. Click the image for more information.

Bobservation 45: Fulking Fair

Posted on

Becoming quite an annual habit, Fulking Fair is again with us, this time on Sunday 29th July from midday until 5pm and Allsorts Dog Rescue are joining us from 12.30 until 3pm with a ’fun’ dog show.
The Fair will be opened by the Marta Scott dancers moving from the car park in Downside Meadow along the Street to the North Town Field at 12 noon. There will be an extensive array of stalls along the Street including Fish & chips outside the Old Post Office. Teas and excellent home made cakes can be had at the village hall.
Pony rides for children at the back of the Shepherd & Dog which itself will be open for business. Once again they have generously donated the marquee hire and will be running the bar in the North Town Field where there will be live music led by local group Sold as Seen supported by the Shoreham all stars and others.
A good range of hot and cold food including Rushfields pies, Artisan Bakehouse, French Revolution crepes, Doughnuts and Ice Creams.
Childrens’ games will have Puppet show, Tattoo painting, a Bouncy Castle, Stocks, Coconut Shy, Whack the Rat, Hook the Duck and more. Tombola for adults and one for children. Lots of craft and produce stalls and demonstrations. Tug of War competitions for all ages, sizes and whatever will follow the dog show.
There may be traffic hold ups in the Street and if possible it would be best if village drivers can avoid using the Street at all on that day. We put a lot of work into making this fair enjoyable so why not come and support us with your families and dog(s) and enjoy the day with us?

Footnote
Had a male Purple Emperor butterfly land on Pam’s shoulder today!