Hop & Hare Farm
Our passion is creating spaces for people to thrive in.
We bought the farm as bare land for our campsite, but what has evolved is so much more exciting. Building a farm that thrives on its feet, rather than surviving on it’s knees, not relying on government subsidies, charity or handouts. We combine old tried and tested farming principles with modern practices by intensively farming small pieces of land, companion planting and succession planting, natural fertilizing keeping everything in harmony resulting in the production of fresh local produce. We want to support younger generations get back into farming, give accommodation, employment and basic support to help people start businesses of their own, that will feed us in the future. So, campers come and see where your hard earned money is spent. Please read about and follow our journey, hopes and dreams for the future at Hop and Hare farm.
Our Farm line
2017 -2018
We purchased the land, set up nature cameras and every month recorded the land, inhabitants and behaviours. The first piece of planning is submitted for building a barn, shepherds hut and trackway.
2018-2020
We started stabilizing the camping on the farm, building water points, toilets, showers, trackway, and clearing, and preparing camping pitches. The 2nd part of planning for the campsite to operate for 5 months a year
2021-2022
Well, Covid has held some projects up.. We start to fund the Market garden business, creating the first Vegetable “no dig beds” and going into planning once again for the poly tunnels. Creating composting bays, collecting the grass clippings and garden waste.
2022-2023
Poly tunnel up, salads growing, veg garden expansion, more planing to expand the camping to 11 months so can run courses on farming practise. . New arrivals in the form of chickens and ducks to help fertilise and turn our compost.
2023-2024
This year we started teaching people how to grow, pick and preserve food, Wwoofing scheme, with volunteer workers from Germany, France and the Uk.
2025-2026
We are expanding the vegetable and flower beds throughout the first field. Polytunnel No2 going up to hold our flowers and salad crops.
2026-2027
Our Budding farmers will be running courses on mushroom and micro green growing, preserving different foods. The produce shop, canteen, and well being will begin.
2027-2028
The expansion of growing food and raising livestock through out the remainder of the fields and woodland, creating the tree nursery and improving the campsite accommodation from tents into small movable structures.
No-Dig Vegetable garden
The sole purpose of our investment in land was to create a training market garden. A place for budding farmers to cut their teeth starting a no-dig market garden for direct selling to local communities. The farm provides a safe space that requires no rent and gives accommodation, teaching, labor, and a ready-made website. Once the trainees have started their business we aid the funding of another piece of land, with barn, water, power and planning to make space for the next round of trainees through the gates.
This should create a co-op style bank of farming, infrastructure support, but most importantly locally produced food.
The UK Flower garden
We sow, grow and harvest the most gorgeous seasonal flowers. The freshest of flowers cut straight from our field to order, flowers which have a heady scent, minimal flower miles and seasonality that comes from offering locally grown flowers. Similarly, the flower farm is for budding growers to start a no-dig market flower garden for direct selling to local communities. The farm provides a safe space that requires no rent and gives accommodation, teaching, labor, and a ready-made website. Once the trainees have started their business we aid the funding of another piece of land, with barn, water, power and planning to make space for the next round of trainees through the gate.
Our livestock
A farm isn’t a farm without animals, regardless of eating them, its the value livestock gives from turning soil, pulling and pecking or just fertilizing as they go. Hail the poop. Our chickens and ducks roam the first field, occasionally leaving duck eggs around. You can buy fresh eggs from our free-roaming hens. Beware of our rooster—never turn your back to him! In winter, our sheep return to graze from November to February. This year, pigs will join to wallow in the woodland, enjoying chestnuts, acorns, and grasses, with piglets arriving in summer. We’ll also have farm-raised sausages, bacon, and pork cuts.Wood Fired Sauna
Indulge in pure relaxation with a visit to the wood-fired sauna at Hop & Hare Farm. Nestled in serene surroundings, this sauna offers a tranquil escape where you can unwind and recharge. The gentle crackling of wood and the warm, enveloping heat create an experience that’s both rejuvenating and deeply calming. After a long day exploring nature you can sauna then jump into the plunge pool to let go of tension and connect with the peaceful rhythms of the countryside. Whether you’re new to saunas or a seasoned enthusiast, the experience at Hop & Hare Farm offers a unique connection to nature and a restorative pause from daily life.