The farm

The animals

Pigs: At present, the breeds we have are Middle Whites and Hampshire x Large Black, although we are soon getting Oxford, Sandy and Blacks.   We buy our pigs from HMP North Sea Camp and other supplies of specific breeds at between 8 and 10 weeks old.   They then stay with us until they are about 6 months old, when they go to slaughter.   We aim to send 3 pigs each month, although until we begin to breed our own we are very much at the mercy of others' breeding programmes!

Each 'family' of pigs have a large area to live in with a constant water supply and a pig ark full of fresh straw.   They also have a wallow each in hot weather (they decide where, they dig a hole and we fill it with water!).   Our pigs are very happy pigs and this is reflected in the quality of the meat.

Sheep: We have a flock of Kerry Hill sheep which we are currently trying to register with the Kerry Hill Society.   This flock consist of 2 tups (one registered already - Jolly Farmer), 3 breeding ewes, 6 gimmers (2007 lambs) and 4 lambs (2008 lambs).   There are also 3 gimmers that were some of last years' store lambs (Kerry, Shaunie and Tufty, who have become pets!), although we shall be breeding from them this year - they are a Kerry Hill x, a Suffolk x and a Charollais x.

One of this years' lambs has been adopted by Blue Class at Friskney Primary School - she has been named Patch.   We shall be keeping Blue Class up to date with Patch's progress.

At the farm, we also have store lambs bought in from HMP North Sea Camp and who graze on our clover paddocks for the next few months.   This good pasture is responsible for the outstanding flavour of our meat.

Chickens: In January 2007 we took possession of our first chickens - 30 ex battery hens.   After a few days they ventured out of the hen house and tasted freedom for the first time!   We were given Bertie (our cockerel) 10 days later and he kept them all in order.   From these original hens and Bertie, we have bred our own flock of laying hens - a real Heinz 57 - that lay extremely well when the conditions are right (very easily put off if it is windy/cold/too hot etc!).   Occasionally we have added to them with fertile eggs from other sources but they are generally all from our original stock

Ducks: The idea behind the ducks (and our failed attempt at breeding geese - see old news) was to keep the grass in the orchard down to avoid having to use the mower so regularly!   We now have 15 ducks and they have made absolutely no impact whatsoever on the grass.   Best laid plans and all that!

We started off with 2 Muscovey ducks and 2 white Call ducks, then hatched 4 Indian Runner ducks, bought 3 more Call ducks and were given 5 more Runner ducks (we gave 2 drakes away to Sonya and Lee, leaving 3) and 1 more came to live with us from Mark and Carole!    So - now we just need some geese (preferably friendly ones) - any offers?

Educating future generations

What began as a neglected potato field has, since November 2006, been turned into a fully functioning, well-planned smallholding. It is set on light to medium silt loam of approximately pH7 and has in past years grown potatoes, brassicas and wheat. The field was seeded on completion to provide quality pasture containing a large amount of clover and herbs on which our animals thrive.

As Peter’s Eden began as a blank canvas, we have kept the environment very firmly in mind through all stages of planning and development. A thousand willow trees have been planted around the perimeter of the field, with more planned every year, to provide a local bakery with wood for their fire as well as shade in the fields for the animals. Hedgerow is going to be planted to increase wildlife and provide an attractive barrier, as well as grant-aided woodland in the top paddock.

Peter’s Eden Farm is the perfect place for a school visit as we have livestock, hay and small scale vegetable production all in one place, with plenty to see all year round. We have CEVAS accredition, which was gained in August 2008 and have close links with Friskney Primary School.

Facilities: Peter’s Eden Farm is all on one level, with no steps or awkward slopes (we are in the Fens, after all!). We do have basic toilet facilities and if necessary we could arrange for basic disabled toilet facilities.

There is an area of hard-standing, suitable for coaches, and a small barn which serves as a picnic area (unless it is lambing time and then alternative arrangements would be made!).

Risk Assessment: There is a risk assessment document available, but a pre-visit check is essential. Peter’s Eden Farm has a low risk rating as it has no heavy machinery on site that would be working at the time of a visit.

National Curriculum: Your visit would be catered around the National Curriculum QCA units that are being studied. There are a multitude of resources at your disposal and the amount of input from the staff would be discussed prior to your visit. This means that if you wish, you can complete tasks with no input from us, for example field work at secondary level, or a visit led entirely by Peter’s Eden.

Happy Eating

Hannah, Chris, Peter, Noah and Joel,