We came to Hidden Spring in July 2007 and ever since have enjoyed a steep learning curve in running a vineyard, cider making, sheep keeping - to name but a few! Our young family have enjoyed the space in which to play and run, and of course dig in the mud – Boys will be boys!

In our vineyard we grow 4 different grape varieties, from these we have produced red, white and rose wines. The decision of which type of wine to produce each year is dependent on the seasons harvest. Our white grapes lend themselves to an easy drinking summery white – its only downfall is it’s a little too ‘easy drinking’.

The organic apple and pear orchards are Soil Association certified, from these we make a small range of apple juices and ciders. We try and maintain, where possible, the organic theme throughout the rest of the holding so strictly minimise the use of chemicals. This means we have an abundance of wildlife including a number of foxes (not good with chickens!), badgers (who steal the grapes), bird life that include both the green and spotted woodpeckers, plus a multitude of insect life – not all of who are welcome!

To help with pollination ‘Chris the Bee-Man’ keeps a number of hives at the far end of the holding. From these he produces delicious honey that is usually for sale.

On the livestock front we started with 5 Jacob sheep, 2 Berkshire sows and a few chickens. Our Jacob flock has now doubled and in addition we have 4 Balwen sheep. Balwen are e dark brown, extremely flighty sheep with white faces and tails that look as if they have been dipped in a tin of paint! We are expecting lambs between February and April this year.

The chickens have similarly multiplied and we have a number of varieties. We initially started with Ixworth and Welsummers, but now have a number of other breeds such as Crested Legbars (for their blue eggs), plus quite a few ‘Hidden Spring specials’! All are as free ranging as possible, although we endeavour to exclude them from the vegetable garden as they make lousy gardeners! Between them they lay delicious eggs ranging in colour from dark terracotta, specked brown, off white, to olive and blue.

Our other continuing project, aside from the vines, orchards and campsite is our vegetable garden. Last year we extended this and grew even more pumpkins and squashes! We also produced some delicious beans including ‘Trail of Tears’ green beans plus purple Blauhilde beans. The ‘Giant Red carrots’ were truly giant! But the white beetroot tasted more like turnips and will not be repeated. As this forms a large part of our families diet we try not to use pesticides, but to find more natural alternatives, however the result of this is the battle with the slugs, and the myriad of insect life continues.

To find out more about The Real Seed Company click here.