Brighton & Hove News reports:
Nine lambs and two ewes from Saddlescombe Farm next to Devil’s Dyke died after a dog chased them on Friday. Although the dog didn’t attack the sheep, the heavily pregnant ewes were so distressed the lambs aborted and two ewes also died.
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
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.
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.
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.
Tours of the 17th century Threshing Barn, Tudor Scullery and Donkey Wheel. You can also venture further afield for tours on surrounding Newtimber Hill. Refreshments at the new Wild Flour cafe. Children and dogs welcome. Parking £2 — follow signposts near Devil’s Dyke on the day. Sunday 9th September 2017, 10:30am–3:30pm, free admission.
