Spring flowers; primroses & daffodils
Love this time of year; The days are getting longer & nature is waking up – The daffodils, crocuses and primroses bring back some much needed colour to the garden & farm. Bees are starting to venture out for some food from the first blossom & flowers, whilst frogs and toads make their way to spawn in the pond.
It’s a great time of year to spot the odd March Hare on the farm too, grazing on the short grass or a couple of hares boxing (usually a female hare fending off an amorous male). Known as the fastest mammal in the UK, the Brown Hare is capable of reaching speeds up to 45-50mph (72kph), making them able to outrun a predator. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to hand rear a leveret and when it was almost fully grown released it in our woodland, so when ever I see a hare in March I often wonder if it’s the same one, I was so lucky to have reared.
Books by North Devon Authors
World Book Day 2nd March 2023 celebrating the joy of reading books. A registered charity, designated by UNESCO, on a mission to give every child and young person a book of their own, thanks to the generosity of National Book tokens, publishers & booksellers.
To celebrate Huxtable Farm Medieval Farmhouse being 500 years old, we are giving every booking on arrival, a copy of our book ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm ‘
Who’s your favoutite author? My favourite North Devon author, for a total escapism read is Veronica Henry, I love many of her books but ‘Wild Oats’ and ‘The Long Weekend’ are my favourites. Some other well known authors local to North Devon include; Henry Williamson who wrote ‘Tarka the Otter’ (The Tarka Trail passes Huxtable Farm’s entrance). Michael Morpurgo author of ‘The War Horse’ and many children’s books. R F Delderfield who wrote ‘To Serve Them All My Days’ and attended West Buckland Public School, situated opposite Huxtable Farm’s entrance. R D Blackmore who wrote the Exmoor romance story of ‘Lorna Doone’. David Kennard of Borough Farm who has written ‘A Shephard’s Watch’ and the TV series ‘Mist, sheep dog tails’.
Another date to put in the diary is Mother’s Day (19th March) when we get the chance to express our love to all Mothers. Here are some idea’s to help you spoil your special Mum;
Buy a unique gift from Huxtable Farm’s Shop; 100% Jacob wool throws, cushions, scarves and knitting kits or some notelets or a print painted by me, Jackie.
Huxtable Farm Jacob wool knitting kits
Give your mother a Voucher to stay at Huxtable Farm at sometime later in the year, where she will be welcomed with a Devon cream tea, then in the morning enjoy a delicious freshly cooked breakfast next to the crackling log fire in the medieval dining room – Telephone 01598 760254 or e-mail for more details.
Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B and available Camping Pitches (Only two ensuite B&B bedrooms & three exclusive camping pitches, each with their own wash room)
Print Nineteen Card
Don’t for get that all important Mother’s Day card too. Our daughter, Natalie has that unique, individual, botanical card you may wish to send from Printnineteen. Quite a few bits of foliage used by Natalie in her prints has been sourced from Huxtable Farm. Oh and Natalie also does print workshops too!
On the 26th March British Summer Time beginnings, when we all turn our watches & clocks forward i.e loosing an hours sleep on Saturday night 25th March! Britsh summer time was introduced to make the most of daylight hours and conserve energy, first established in 1916. Thinking of Summer, nows a good time to book to ensure you get the room/s (only two en-suite rooms available) or camping pitch (only three exclusive pitchs, each with thier own washroom) you’d like to stay in or on. Check availability here;-
We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy the lambs this April and seeing you for the rest of the year. Please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2023 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar so that you can plan your next stay to coincide with an event that interests you.