Our trip to Brightleigh Farm, Batts Hill Gin Distillery and Ceramic Fitch Pottery

 

On Thursday 14th August, 27 members made a visit to Brightleigh Farm, in Outwood, for a walking guided tour of the farm and an introduction to their animals.

 

Nigel Franklin and his family run Brightleigh Farm and are passionate about farming with nature, using regenerative farming methods, producing tasty and nutritious food. Their animals thrive in this environment, and rarely need any form of treatment to keep them healthy.

Their beef comes from their Pasture for Life certified cattle, which guarantees that they are fed a natural diet. Their chickens forage outdoors, supplemented with a soya and GM free diet.  The eggs they produce are high in vitamins A , E and D , as well as Omega 3.

The afternoon started with a 15 minute introduction followed by the guided walk, with questions and answers as we walked. Brightleigh Farm has Cows, Pigs and Chickens (with dogs that have the specific responsibility of looking after the Chickens !! ).

We also had the opportunity to visit the Batts Hill Gin Distillery, which is within the farm, and sample a little of their products. Gin & Tonic anyone ?? Some of us took the opportunity to make some purchases.

Also, within the farm Julie Fitch Davey transformed the old cow shed into a comfortable working environment where she now creates her products in the Ceramic Fitch Pottery.  Julie demonstrated throwing a pot on the wheel and she told us about their glazing process.

Although a small establishment, Julie has a lot of items on show, and as hand crafted items, every item is unique. All items are stoneware clay of which 50% is recycled.

On return to the barn, we were treated to a BBQ featuring their produce (Burgers, Chicken Wings and Smoked Topside Baguettes, all with salad). A thoroughly enjoyable and informative afternoon, I’m sure that everyone there enjoyed it too.

Their shop at the farm is open on Friday 1pm to 5pm. Saturday 9am to 3pm. They can also be found at the following Farmers Markets : Farnham , Ripley and Wallington.  Before travelling, check their website.

Ray and Joyce Jessop