When the Grass Turns to Gold – Summer so far on the Farm
July and August are always a bit of a curious time of year for us. The rhythm of regulars – our familiar faces and faithful supporters – gives way to the ebb and flow of day-trippers, holidaymakers,...
Back-to-School starts with the brain
By Jess Oldfield, Nutritional Therapist & Mum of Two September’s just around the corner, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve got that slightly fizzy mix of excitement and overwhelm building....
We’re Open as Normal – Despite the B3108 Closure
Hartley Farm Shop & Kitchen is open as normal, with no change to our opening hours, despite the closure of the B3108 between Winsley and Bath for essential roadworks. The works are due to...
Could a bottle of Coke really be the difference?
Something grabbed my attention the other day while I was driving. Now, let’s be honest – most of the news lately has been pretty bleak. But for once, something came blaring over the radio that...
Why Clarkson’s Farm feels oddly familiar
A few months ago, I wrote about how I often struggle to come up with the next thing to write about. That familiar battle with the blank page, and wondering whether anyone really wants to hear your...
The Patchwork Quilt of English Farming
Isn’t it absolutely beautiful at the moment? Hedgerows bursting with blossom, fields a vibrant green, and birdsong ringing out from dawn ‘til dusk. I’ve been deep in dad mode these past few weeks....
Spring has sprung – and so have the cows!🐮
A Bit About Our Cows A few requests came back from my appeal for blog ideas the other week with the theme of how the business works behind the scenes. There's always so much going on and I will...
Are Farm Shops Selling the Real Deal?
This question was posed to me in response to my last blog when I asked you all for some food for thought on what to write about next. By the way, I had some great replies—lots of ammo for future...
What the Dorset Coast Taught me This Week
As many of you may have gathered from my last journal, I felt it was time for a little break. So, last week, Tamara and I headed down to the south Dorset coast for a couple of days—the first time...
A Tale of Woe on the Path to Net Zero…
Oh, what a week it’s been. At this rate, it feels like we’ll reach Storm Zachary by the end of February. Our originally planned closure has been delayed, unfortunately, so we’re open as normal this...
Paws, Rest & Reflect
Have you noticed the manic frenzy of wildlife recently? Birds whistling through the night, trying to find the best nesting spots for spring. Foxes barking all day long and into the darkness, seeking...
The Christmas Journey: Finding Joy Along the Way
Last week my son, Henry, said to me that the saddest part of the year for him is around 8 pm on Christmas Day. I remember that feeling so well—the moment when all the anticipation, excitement, and...
Richard Reflects on 50 Years in Winsley
Last month, our local parish magazine, The Winsley Weaver, celebrated its 50th anniversary. My father, Richard, was invited to reflect on the changes in the village over the past half-century. For...
Finding Mindfulness in Nature
Did you know it’s World Mental Health Day next week? I didn’t either! But I’ve been wanting to write about the power I’ve found in nature to help keep my own mental health in check, so the timing...
Will it Make the Boat go Faster – Progress Over Perfection in our Business
One of the most common things people say to me when we’re chatting about the business is, "You guys always seem to be trying something new. Where do you get all your ideas?" The truth is, I’m a bit...