What’s happening on the farm right now
We’ve all been busy on the farm and there’s a lot to share.
First, we’re entertaining a gazillion little people on our new play equipment crafted by the magical hands of Imi Hives – he’s a magician with wood, and it’s a huge hit.
Pumpkins and sunflowers are all planted and being watered – we just need a little more rain to give them a proper shower, please!
Dan has also sown a wild bird mix including phacelia, a beautiful purple flower which attracts insects for insect-eating birds, improves biodiversity, suppresses weeds, and supports soil health. The field looks stunning under its purple blanket.
Nature’s thriving
Dan’s been busy creating protective habitat for the small birds by leaving large hedges uncut and supplying food in clever ways so the bigger birds can’t get to it.
The birdsong is amazing as a result. We have red kites and buzzards, raptors with sharp talons and hooked beaks for tearing the meat they hunt. You might also spot green and spotted woodpeckers, owls, foxes, hares, rabbits, badgers, and deer around the farm.
Farm life keeps rolling!
The hay is already off the fields and it’s fantastic quality. Huge thanks to the legendary Jason Collis, a neighbouring farmer who cut, turned and baled it in no time. Jason has been making our lives easier for years and is always there before you even know you need him – on time, reliable, and always doing great work.
Thanks again to Dan Culley for organising and helping bring in the hay. Kerry Wilson managed to clear the barn but had to dash back to work. We will have enough to see us through until Christmas.
Jacob Culley Wilson is working on our neighbouring farm bringing in the harvest with Apsley. We are missing him from our own team but we’re very grateful that he was here to help prepare the ground for our pumpkins. They’re going to be great!
This year’s team
We have a flat management system in the café, which is a brilliant experience for young people. We focus on how we communicate and can expect to be treated at work.
This year’s fruit farm team includes Kerry Wilson, Grace Culley Wilson, Willow Philips Smith, Jess Cooke, Ellie Donald, Oliver Tempest, Tristram Rowley, Dan Culley, Jacob Culley Wilson, and Jane Wall.
Bridget and Wyndham Culley have been in the shop every day, helping with all the deliveries of fruit and vegetables. Wyndham does a brilliant job of maintaining all the grass across the farm - that’s 6,000m of rows of fruit, the gardens and playground. The place looks stunning thanks to his care and attention.
We are preparing for our annual food safety inspection, and are aiming to maintain our five-star rating. Willow Philips Smith is taking the lead on that, using our Safer Food Better Business Standards (SFBB) - a free food safety management system created by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for small food businesses.
We are reviewing all our hot drink prices (Ellie Donald is on it!), and Tristram Rowley is in charge of smoothie pricing and marketing.
We have changed the coffee to a great mellow blend, and added a green super smoothie, which is a fantastic mix of mango, banana, kale and lemongrass. We’re also serving our usual iced lattes and teas, and freshly made sandwiches supplied daily by Yum Yum, located just a few miles away.
What’s on this summer
Farm and Pony Skool will have some activities in the summer holidays, including the Harvest and Herd Program aimed at children aged 7 and under and 11 and under
Don’t miss the Schoo’ls Out Colour Run on Saturday, August 16, raising money for one or more chosen charities. If you are a local charity or want to volunteer, email kerry@bournevalleypyo.co.uk
A heartfelt thank you!
Thanks to all our lovely customers for your patience, your loyalty, and sticking with us. We are very blessed to have some customers who have been coming here for over 30 years – you really are the pick of the bunch!
See you all very soon!
