Welcome to our autumn newsletter. During the last two weeks in August and September we had variable weather and it seemed that autumn was really with us but here we are with hot summer weather. Our swallows left us for their annual migration about 3 weeks ago – we suddenly became aware that the yard was silent – had they really gone already? Yes they had, and perhaps they knew something we did not – or did they get it wrong and had they stayed, would have enjoyed this hot spell too!

We are very busy on the farm with harvesting potatoes, cutting sweetcorn , cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli. The fields are very dry so we are having to irrigate the potatoes before the machine can harvest them .This prevents potatoes bruising as they go over the rollers on the machine. Broccoli cannot cope with hot sun. As soon as it is ready it has to be cut. Once harvested it must be put in the cold store to take the temperature down. The broccoli is really lovely this year so hope you all enjoy it. Please look out for us on the Great British Food Revival BBC programme featuring the highly regarded chef James Atherton visiting our farm and cooking with our pointed cabbage. The programme is scheduled for the beginning of November so when we get to know dates we will keep you informed via the website.

Stop Press! BBC 2, Thursday, 10th November at 7pm, “Great British Food Revival – Cooking Our Cabbage”