Deepdale Farm

26/08/2026

The hedgerows are teaming with fruit this year. In just a small corner of a field I was surrounded by haws, blackberries, rose hips and bullace.

We’ve had freshly picked blackberries with ice cream, with stewed pairs, and now picking enough for blackberry and apple jam. The taste of them from different bushes varies so much!

The link to our tried and tested jam recipe is in the link in our bio. If you don’t have time to make it now, just freeze the blackberries for a rainy day.

There’s plenty of fruit for us and for wildlife this year.

25/08/2026

Despite the drought our wild flower margins are vibrant with multiple species in flower, attracting a host of wildlife.

Most dominant at the moment are:
Birds foot trefoil - bright yellow, beautiful flowers
Lucerne (or alfalfa) - a variety of shades of purple
Common yarrow - clusters of white flowers
Timothy grass - elegant and fluffy
Wild carrot - beautifully delicate

We won’t be touching these areas until mid autumn at the earliest to ensure they provide a variety of habitat and food sources for invertebrates and birds.

14/08/2026

With harvest done, evening tides and balmy evenings, we went on a team trip on the water.

It was the first time Richard had got out on the water here, but loves boats. Estelle is more often out in her kayak gathering the best samphire from her secret spots. And the rest of us are often sailing in the main harbour. So we took a picnic supper and explored the creeks leading to Scolt Head Island hut, and were treated to a spectacular sunset, jumping mullet and amazing views back over the farm.

09/08/2026

The biofluorescent night walk with David from Reveal Nature is almost magical. A slow stroll through the woods with powerful UV torches which reveal a hidden colourful world. Everyday plants and insects show off their fabulous outfits.

David’s back at Deepdale Farm on Saturday 5th September. We have 2 walks, departing 8pm and 10pm.

They’re a great way to see woodland in new light.

To join us, book your ticket via the link in our bio.

08/08/2026

Fire risk all a bit real yesterday morning. But thanks to the quick actions of Stephen and Richard, a disaster was averted.

We think a spark from the topper (probably from catching a flint) caught on the incredibly dry beetle bank. It smouldered, and then it spread fast across the stubble.

Thankfully Richard was discing the next door field so he came straight over to create a fire break. Stephen called the fire brigade. We brought fire extinguishers and beaters and got it out. The Wells engine arrived first and gave it a good dousing.

Thank you to the fire brigade for attending so quickly.

🔥 Make sure you have an action plan for fire on your farm, and the whole team is briefed
🧯 ensure you have the right equipment and you all know where it is and how to use it
🚒 call the fire brigade immediately and provide them with an accurate location - if necessary a postcode to get them going to the general location. But call them back with a precise w3w for the field entrance. Have these pre-noted and shared amongst your team.

With more heat and no rain forecast, we’re assessing all our farming methods. There is no easy answer.

06/08/2026

Harvest 2026
Blink and you’d have missed it. With only 60ha of combinable crops this year, and dry weather, it’s been a very civilised affair. It’s also the earliest we’ve ever completed harvest (30 July). Yields have certainly been impacted by this extreme dry weather, but we’re hoping both our organic rye and oats are decent quality.

We’ve been hyper aware of fire risk and our thoughts are with farms and communities across the country affected by wild and field fires this summer. We’ve had fire equipment at the edge of each field, and plan What3Words for all the field entrances in case we have to direct emergency services.

Our straw is chopped out the back of the combine, and this will be incorporated into the soil before drilling. This adds organic matter, helping to improve our soil.

Now it’s sample time to assess our 2026 production…

21/07/2026

Harvest has been slow going so far. Having thought the rye would be ready first, it was actually the oats. And then cooler weather and damp mornings set in which meant a bit of stop start. The first field, Bunkers Pightle had a disappointing yield but is never a great field. So hopefully things will improve!

On the plus side, it’s always good to see the produce of your crops in the wild - White's Oats on the shelves in Northern Ireland.

And it’s to everyone’s relief that temperatures have cooled. We’re always alert to fire risk, which still remains, but to a lesser degree than with 30+ degree days.

16/07/2026

Autumn dates for our green woodworking courses are live. Both the original spindle course and the bowl turning are suitable for beginners, but use different skills, so if you’ve tried one, why not try the other? Richard is always pleased to see familiar faces returning.

Spindle
3 October
31 October

Bowl turning
19 September
10 October

Got questions? Ask away
Book online via link in bio.

14/07/2026

Want to join the Deepdale Camping & Rooms team?

Do you fancy joining our amazing team?

We are looking for additional Night Managers and seasonal Cleaners & Housekeepers.

We are a Real Living Wage employer and based in a beautiful location on the North Norfolk Coast.

See our website and Indeed pages to apply:
https://deepdalecamping.co.uk/jobs/

09/07/2026

The rye is very nearly ready for harvest.

Combines around us are already on the go, but mainly with winter barley and oil seed r**e, which we don’t grow.

On closer inspection there are still a few green heads in here, so Richard is being patient and giving it a few more days.

The annual combined OFG (Organic Farmers & Growers) and Red Tractor inspection should keep the team busy today.