Self catering cottage in East Sussex

"It has taken 20 years for me to realise this significant step towards self-sufficiency and make use of the resources we have here like the Victorian underground water tank. We can now make full use of all our flowers, fruit and vegetable growing for the diversifications, use free water for sheep and fleeces and encourage visitors to expand their own ideas on sustainable living."

The farm attempts to pass on and share the skills and organic principles which the current owner Julia has established over the years. This done by allowing and encouraging tourism visitors to walk over the land, see the bird life in all seasons (winter migrating birds on nearby RAMSAR special site), understand what goes into environmental sensitivity, see the sheep being handled, clipped and lambs when around and taste and feel the products which they return to us. There is also a focus on using the local infrastructure in all aspects of the business. In addition we work with partnership such Action in Rural Sussex (marketing promotion of textiles in Sussex), Sussex Enterprise, Netherfield Sustainable Farm and Food Centre which is the Organic part of Plumpton Agricultural College (local animal feed group), Kent and Sussex FWAG (advice on all aspects of Environmental practices); Green Tourism, etc. A major link has been established with Vauxhall City Farm with stock sharing of Wensleydale Longwools and skill sharing through dyeing and spinning. Training and education works through open days, short courses run by spinning groups, small farm training group and other skilled textile craftspeople in Sussex.

Bricks have been placed in all 5 toilet cisterns to reduce their flush volumes, saving approximately 11m3 of mains water each year. A solar water heating system has been installed. It provides hot water for the main building during the summer months and preheats water before being heated by a conventional oil-fired heater in cooler months. Wood burners are used to heat the main building, using sustainably harvested wood from the farm. High specification insulation has been added to the main building’s roof and walls. Draught proofing, double glazing and secondary glazing has been installed throughout. Energy efficient light bulbs have been fitted throughout the farm buildings. All kitchen and agricultural waste is composted and used to recondition the soil in the flower and vegetable beds. All glass, plastics, paper and cans are recycled.

The farm operates within the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) scheme. The scheme offers training and experience on organic farms internationally. Volunteers under the WWOOF scheme gain valuable training and experience that may enable them to gain employment in the organic agricultural sector. The benefits of sustainable living are a key element of WWOOF, and is a commonsense approach made clear as part of the work experience.

Through careful land management, the farm actively encourages wildlife with a view to improving local biodiversity. As an organically run smallholding, it makes practical sense to promote the natural predators of agricultural pests that are associated with improved biodiversity. Maintaining attractive surroundings is also important in terms of letting out the studio and accommodation that make up the farm’s diversifications.

Over the last 10 years we have worked with numerous partnerships in East Sussex including the High Weald Bridleways Groups and project leading for the Equestrian Survey. We have recently set up Woolcraft with the Wensleydale Group to promote bread, meat and textiles all locally produced. We are members of numerous environmental charities e.g. CPRE, HDRA, Woodland Trust, FWAG, FoE etc. We support work on Wensleydale Rare Breed. Also, we are committed to Tibetan charities and work.