Farm Visits

Farm trails - You are welcome to walk our Farm Trails at North Weald, they start at the shop too. There are several diffrent paths , and there is always plenty to see. Bring friends, family, picnic baskets, dogs (on lead), and make the most of the beautiful countryside. Or find out more about our educational visits

Chickens... Ashlyns provides a home to 500 Black Rock chickens who provide our farm shop and the restaurant with delicious fresh eggs. Their thick rich plumage not only protects them from all weather conditions but they have been observed to be less susceptible some pests.They love the outside, come rain, snow or shine. This together with their highly developed natural immune system means they have the potential to have a long productive life.

Cows... 2002 saw the arrival of our first cows who are now steadlily multiplying their numbers. The Lincoln Red is one of the oldest of the UK 's native beef breeds.

Goats... Pygmy Goats are hardy animals. They will eat almost anything. Our goats are fed on hay and a few nuts (made from cereals and grass) and they nibble grass and other plants. They are gentle and inquisitive and they love the company of others. They're great at balancing and climbing, and very very playful - we've caught them out many times playing on our trim trail climbing frames!

Pigs... Our pigs are Essex Sadlebacks. They have a great natural resilience against outdoor conditions, and they are great mums. This breed was the main breed up until the 1950's, and although there are many other breeds with 'saddleback' in their name the Essex Saddlebacks are not related. Whereas other saddlebacks have some white on their whiskery chins or tails, the Essex ones always have white back feet, where the others don't. 2003 saw our first litter of little piglets.

Sheep... These sheep are Suffolk sheep. They have black faces. We also have visiting flocks from time to time who graze for 64 days each year on our fields.

The many small thickly hedged fields provide a wonderful habitat. At the same time they harbour the predatory insects we rely on to control aphids and slugs. Where the fields are bigger we are establishing beetle banks to divide them up, so as no part of the farm is too far from their protective shield. Ponds are a particular feature of the area and several remain on the farm, benefiting invertebrates and amphibians. Behind the farmstead lies a Medieval moat, site of the former Manor of Ashlyns. As part of our Countryside Stewardship Scheme we intend to restore both ponds and moat.

For more information, please contact us info@ashlynsorganics.co.uk