Find out what's happening down on the farm.
PYO
Tulips & Daffodils
PYO
Wildflowers
PYO
Sunflowers
PYO
Pumpkins
As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the highs and lows of farm life this year and we are excited to share some of these with you.
Summer in Full Bloom
This summer marked our first ever wildflower and sunflower picking season at Mallard Grange and we loved welcoming so many of you onto the farm.
This gave us an opportunity to share our regenerative journey and showcase how we work in harmony with nature. We love meeting new people so this gave us a chance to chat about life on the farm and promote our lovely produce.
Watching 33 different varieties of flower bloom from June to September was a delight, with a vibrant display of colours evolving throughout the season.
These flowers not only brought joy to visitors but also created a haven for our precious pollinators. In return, the bees gifted us with delicious, nutrient-rich honey.
Lessons Learned from Pumpkins
Despite our best efforts planting 1,500 pumpkins by hand for the October PYO events, poor weather and slug damage meant this year’s crop unfortunately did not succeed.
Whilst it was disappointing, we are even more determined to try again next year and have learnt a few lessons along the way, so fingers crossed for better luck next time!!
Happy Hens
Our hens have been enjoying the remnants of the failed pumpkin patch, helping to clean up while feasting on the rich leftover fruits.
Whilst production has naturally slowed during the colder winter months, we have big plans to expand in 2025 to meet our growing demand for these fabulous free range eggs.
Join the Mallard Grange Egg Club on Facebook to stay in the loop and sign up for our local delivery service.
A New Arrival
August brought us our very own little ray of sunshine: baby Jemima! She has been a wonderful source of motivation, as we strive to produce highly nutritious foods that we can supply but also enjoy as a family in the years to come.
Beef & Lamb Boxes
This year, much of our focus was on launching the Flower Field and PYO events, so plans to expand our beef and lamb enterprise, sadly took a back seat.
However, we’ve been busy building up stock numbers and improving our grazing systems to offer high-quality, grass-fed meats on a monthly basis from January 2025.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on progress and availability.
Sustainability on the Farm
As winter sets in, the sheep have been put to the tups, and the cattle are housed in preparation for calving in March.
James has been experimenting with regenerative grazing techniques, such as herbal leys and paddock rotations, to improve soil health, extend outdoor grazing time, and enhance the nutritional value of our meat.
We also continue our commitments to improving the arable land with the use of our direct drill and introduction of cover crops, which in the longer term should allow us to use far less inputs.
Exciting Achievements
This September, Mallard Grange B&B won the prestigious “B&B of the Year” award, a well-deserved recognition of Maggie’s 30+ years of warm hospitality and delicious farmhouse breakfasts.
Additionally, Maggie opened The Hideout Loft, self-catering accommodation nestled in an old stone barn within the farm yard. Featuring rustic beams, vintage furnishings, and a luxurious roll-top bath, it’s the perfect romantic getaway.
Book now via Mallard Grange Escapes and enjoy a little bit of rest and relaxation to kick start the New Year in style.
Thank You
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support throughout 2024. We wish you a very merry Christmas and look forward to welcoming you back to Mallard Grange in 2025.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on upcoming events and new product launches in the New Year.
Warm wishes,
The Mallard Grange Family
info@mallardgrangefarm.co.uk