Happy Smiley People

Here we are happy and smiling, and we hope it is infectious as we always have something to smile about.  We were lucky enough this week to host a wonderful Farm Walk with the Soil Association.  We were joined by a group of people hugely interested in the workings of the farm. For many of our customers the smiling faces above (not including Mrs Telford) are what they see here on a daily basis, and although they know we are growing our vegetables just outside the back door on the plot, they don't venture out there that often, and frankly who can blame them with all that mud and rain.

We are always happy for people to walk around the plot, look at what we are up to, and see what we are growing, sowing, harvesting and ask questions, so although hosting a formal farm walk is fun and interesting we do encourage anyone to have a walk around and enjoy fully what we are doing here, just simply providing the best organic vegetables available anywhere in this area.

For those who prefer the more organised tour, we will be hosting another Farm Walk here on June 8th at 11am, no need to book or anything formal like that, just turn up and we would be happy for a donation to one of the charities we support here.

More exciting news next week.

Soil Association Farm Walk

 

 

Farm Walk: Gold Hill Organic Farm

18 April 2013 16:30 - 18 April 2013 19:30

In association with the Soil Association we will be holding a Farm Walk here on our 60 acre farm. Established 25yrs ago from 1 acres of veg and 1 polytunnel to 10 acres veg and 9 polytunnels. Wide range of veg first sold through co-op, box scheme, very basic farm shop open weekends only.  With an emphasis on growing the business organically (not just the veg) and always being inovative but keeping it managable and profitable. Never relying on one market sector in a small business. Always having an acre of raised beds and tunnels so that whatever the weather something can be planted and harvested. It is a low input business.  We look forward to welcoming you here.

Attendance is free but advanced booking is absolutely essential. We will send out directions prior to the walk.

Please contact the the link below to book your place
http://www.soilassociation.org/farmersgrowers/newsandevents/articleid/4742/farm-walk-gold-hill-organic-farm-dorset

Green Nutrition



 

Getting to know what they are cooking at eating



We thought it would be a great idea to hold a cookery workshop for children here at Goldhill.  We were contacted by Diana at Green Nutrition who runs courses and workshops on a regular basis and we liked her approach.  The children get out and pick their own vegetables, prepare them and cook them making delicious meals.  On the day they came last week, it all began with some outstanding vegetable spring rolls, naturally we had to sample one or two and the kids loved the whole process and were free to choose their vegetables, and then chop away, using tools and equipment they may have seen in their kitchens at home, but never used.

 

Preparing the ingredients

 

This was followed by a Partridge stew which had a sweet flavour, working well with the partridge. As you can see the children were fully aware of what it was they were cooking, preparing the birds from start to finish themselves. The stew was served with egg fried rice, and again we felt the need to sample the meal, I admit I had to go back for more.



 

Tucking in.

 

They all had a fantastic day, and we hope to be holding more events here in the future, we thought perhaps some outdoor cooking would thrill the children, so fingers crossed for some decent weather.

 

 

If you'd like more details, you can contact Diana direct on greennutrition@btinternet.com

 





A Project

We have embarked on a new and exciting project here at the Farm.  So we can make better use of some of our fields since giving up on rearing cows we looked at several possibilities, including a solar farm, but for reasons including the damage to our organic land, and the controversy it might cause in the village we dismissed this plan.  We did instead, plump for a woodland, feeling this fitted in with the ethos of the farm, would enhance the village and fields here, encourage wildlife to thrive and leave a lasting legacy.

We have been hard at it, in all weathers, including a snow storm which covered our materials so quickly we couldn't find our spirals.  We have 9,000 trees of all kinds of varieties, Oak, Silver Birch, Cherry etc.. all randomly planted in perfect lines.  We've had an army of volunteers to help and to date we are about 3/4 of the way there.  We will from time to time release picture updates as these little twigs begin to grow, and 20 years from now we will have our healthy woodland.

Happy New Year - Resist Temptation!

 

We are back from our small winter break and ready for what ever 2013 throws at us, including the cold snap that is due, according to all the weather reports.  We are gearing up for the big chill but are celebrating the gorgeous sun shine cold weather can bring.  Our poly tunnels are being tended and being made ready for planting and some are still producing the leaves we use to make up or very popular salad bags.  The shop is brimming with delicous vegetables and we notice that we have some new customers who have decided to start the year on a healthy note and have heard about what we produce and sell here.

 

We can also now introduce you to our Cafe which is now fully up and running, offering warming soups, vegetables pies, pizzas and vegetables tarts all made using our very own fresh produce. The tarts are made by Christine's Puddings who makes gluten free products, and Christine will be opening here soon in a new unit, and you will be able to purchase her naughty treats, sticky toffee pudding, treacle tarts and more, so much for resisiting temptation!
 

 

Happy New Year..

Forever Blowing Baubles

We are forever blowing baubles, well that's the aim here on December 20th when Emsie Sharp, our newest resident at Goldhill Organic Farm will be holding an all day workshop.  Men, women and children are all welcome to come along and have a go at blowing their very own glass bauble for the tree.  Emsie has moved her workshop here recently, and we are all lining up to have a go at this ancient craft which we are told is a great skill to learn, and Emsie will be on hand all day to make sure you leave with the very best piece of decoration for your tree.

We are excited to also be open later on December 20th in farm shop and cafe, and will be plying our lovely customers with lots of tastings and treats to eat as they wander around for last minute gifts and some veggie purchases while here.  We promise you a mince pie and some mulled wine to warm you up. 

 

 

You will be able to relax in the cafe over cake and tea or a steaming bowl of Sara's homemade soup using our freshest picked vegetables, and we might even have a little music too.  Looking forward to seeing you on December 20th from 10am-8pm.....







Celebrate Apple Day 14th October



CELEBRATE  APPLE  DAY



 

 

AT GOLDHILL ORGANIC FARM SUNDAY 14^TH OCTOBER

10.30am-4.30pm

 

Following on from the success last year of our Apple Day, we have decided to repeat the event this year.  We are delighted that we will be hosting the day in partnership with the Dorset Wildlife Trust which adds another dimension to the day as we haven't worked with them before.  We are anticipating a great sticky messy day along with some activities too, Sara will be taking two Farm Walks one at 11am and the other at 2pm giving a guided tour of the farm and all its workings.  It is also an opportunity for you to browse around the Art Stable Gallery, see the work of Minna Hepburn our resident fashion designer and look at some of the home wares we have in the shop and meet some of the people who make these remarkable objects.  We have also arranged for some delicious tastings with some of the lines we stock and look forward to welcoming them all here.  There will be refreshments available too, so you can really make a day, morning or afternoon of it.

 

Bring your apples and together we will press them, so you will see the whole process from beginning to end.  If you bring your own bottles there will be a small charge of 50p per bottle or we have ready sterilised bottles here for £1.  We hope to see you on October 14th to join in the fun and make the most of your apples.

 

 

Bring your own HANDPICKED apples

Don’t leave them to rot under the tree

 

 

Juicing Demonstration                                                      

Apple Identification

Farm Walks  11am & 2pm                                             

Dorset Wildlife Trust          

                              

                                                   Parking and entry free.