We have got some lovely rhubarb at the moment - perfect for rhubarb crumble. If you would like to order any, don't forget you can pick fruit up from the veg bag hub and pay online. 

Sweet Williams are just starting to flower but it has been very cold so there's some more time to wait for bunches, 

Click here to find out more. 

We are now selling produce from the farm on Fridays between 5pm and 7pm. Up to this point we have mainly sold at markets and mostly in London so we are very excited to have got to the stage where we think we can sell locally too.

The produce will change from week to week depending on the season. We will use social media to send out reminders and updates (Facebook, Twitter) but we will also send out weekly emails. The weekly cycle will be:
Monday noon - emails and notices of what we have available and order form
Wednesday 10pm - last orders
Friday - 5-7pm pick-up! (payment on pick-up by card or cash)

If you would like to hear about what we have each week, please sign up to our new 'local' mailing list. This will be specifically for people who are interested in coming to the farm to pick up produce as described above. In signing up you will receive an email on a Monday (with no obligation to buy!). 

I love walking down the orchards in the slow warm breeze. All the fruit sparkles in the sunlight. We walk down every few days to check on whether the apples and pears are getting ripe. 

Here is a piece of information about how you find out if an apple is ripe. These are the two apples I am showing you. The big one in my right hand is a Saturn and the small one is a Discovery. 

Here is one way. You have to cut an apple into two equal pieces so you can see the star shape in the middle (core). Then you look at what colour the seeds are and if they are fully black it means that it is ripe and if it is white and brown it needs a little bit more time to ripen in the sun. Here is a example.

I think Discoveries are delicious and really cool because they are red inside as well as outside. Yummy!!!

Yesterday we went to the Growing Communities market to help Mummy and Daddy. But we didn't stay all day because Natasha (my sister) came and picked me, Mim and Gwen up so we could go to Phytology, in the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve. We went to do a clay workshop but when we were about to start it started to rain so us 3 hid under a table while the adults got soaked when they put up the shelter. When it was up it stopped raining. 

On Sunday Daddy and Steven went to Alexander Palace Market. They were just trying it for the first time (I've never been there). This is our stall with loads of juicy cherry tomatoes.

Lots of very ruby red apples were sold. They are discoveries, Did you know in the 1940's a young fruit farm worker found this type of apple in Langham, Essex which is really close to our farm.

I almost forgot we have decided to name our cockerel Outrageous Aurelius, Aurelius for short. You can see him and hear him if you come and stay on our farm. 

Everyone here is excited about the delicious discoveries ripening through the next week. They are turning ruby red on the trees. Here are some sun-bathing.

Flowers are blooming through out the crazy hot summer holiday. Some have died because of the warm weather but lots are still carrying on in the heat. They look absolutely gorgeous when the petals glow in the beaming hot sun shining through the poly tunnel plastic. Can you spot my flip flop?

A few weeks ago, we got 45 new chickens (29 white, 15 brown and 1 cockerel ) . We now have 77 chickens all together. They like to find shady spots under the droopy branches and they bathe in mud holes and rest. Can you spot the cockerel? Read on for a competition!

We cannot decide on a name for the cockerel. Mummy thinks it should be Aurelius. Miriam and Gwen think Tom and I just don't know! Please can you help us by commenting below with your suggestions. The person who gives us the name we choose will get a dozen free eggs! (You can pick these up at the Grow Comm market on a Saturday or come to our farm in North Essex - did you know you can camp here?). Please comment and share with your friends. Thank you for your help.

By Romily

​The Pippin Pod is ready for visitors! Nestled between trees in sight of the green house, orchards and chickens outdoor area, it is the perfect location for a peaceful farm getaway. Shower, toilet and washing and cooking facilities are provided and there are always fresh eggs in the morning to buy!
Peach and Pippin is very close to Dedham, Mistley, Manningtree, the River Stour Estuary and Harwich (with ferries to Felixstowe and Holland).
Please email us to enquire and book. Prices start at around £40 depending on date and group size. 

We are delighted to be welcoming forager extraordinaire Matthew Rooney to the farm on Sunday 17th June for a foraging and wildlife walk. If you have ever wondered which weeds you can eat, feed to your chickens, use for tea, improve soil health... this is for you! Also expect some flower tasting and tree identification.

Time: 1.30pm (until about 2.45pm - it will overlap into our Open Farm afternoon)
Parking: yes although cycle or car share is even better!
Disabled access: yes - we have an accessible toilet. The orchards are also reasonably accessible but ask if you have mobility issues and we'll try and advise (and help if we can)
Cost: £7 per person
Booking: Please email [email protected] - space is limited so make sure you do this
Children: We think this would be appropriate for around 13 years and upwards.
Tell your friends: Yes please! There will be delicious cakes and ice cream for sale to finish off the day.

NB: Our Open Farm event is happening from 2-4pm. If you are lucky you can combine this with den building, coffee, cake and painting!

​

We are now holding our 'Open Farm Sunday' event on Sunday 17th May

Sunday 10th June - Open Farm Day
Cakes and coffees, farm tours, woodland walks and den building, egg collecting, tree climbing. 2-4pm
Sunday 22nd July - Teddy Bears Family Farm Picnic
Bring a picnic, teddy bear treasure hunt, produce and flower sale, coffee and cake. 12-3pm
Sunday 19th August - Orchard Fest
Sunday 23rd September - Apple Day
​Sunday 21st October - Autumn Farm Trail 
Details to be confirmed

We welcome private groups as well. For a lovely, low-key (and very low cost) taste of organic and permaculture farming, please get in touch with your requirements.. School visits, book groups, retreat days, volunteer days, watercolour challenge - we are open to suggestions!