Winter Wildlife on Exmoor & North Devon 2020

woodpecker

Winter is a special time to see a wide variety of Devon Wildlife from Exmoor Red Deer and the iconic Exmoor ponies in their fluffy winter coats to otters and dolphins in the rivers and sea respectively. Spotting wildlife on the farm during February and March is great too; – The trees don’t have their leaves yet so you can spot the Roe deer and Exmoor Red deer in the woodland, brown hares in the grassy verges, hear the spot lesser spotted woodpeckers and see buzzards soaring over head.

February is a fabulous time to enjoy the beautiful snowdrops of North Devon, littered in the hedgerow at Huxtable Farm B&B , RHS Rosemoor and at Snowdrop Valley (a privately owned remote valley in a hidden part of Exmoor close to Wheddon Cross open to the public until 23rd Feb 2020)

Breakfast next to a crackling log fire in the morning

We hope everyone is keeping warm during these fresh, crisp, frosty days. Here the wood burners are roaring with wood from the farm – great for warming up next to having come in from outside after taking Bella, the Springer Spaniel, for a farm walk or having fed the sheep.

Our small flock of Jacob sheep are due to produce lambs at the end of March and during April – Do come and enjoy this time of year with us when the hibernation period is coming to end and our stunning countryside is waking up.

Cuddling Jacob sheep lamb at lambing time

During April, leading up to Easter, 12th April some of the local attractions have #Easter #Egg hunts and Easter events to enjoy; April – Easter fun at RHS Rosemoor and National Trust Arlington Court
#Easter #Egg hunts to look forward to at all the attractions in the area; Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon during March we have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 31st March.

Please also have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2020 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.

Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon and Exmoor

Availability

Tame orphan Romney lamb cuddle

A few wildlife videos to enjoy

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Photography and painting on holiday!

January is the time of year for me to concentrate on doing some of the other things I enjoy doing – painting, photography and use our Jacob sheep’s wool.

Water colour painting house 1

Water colour painting house 2

If you are a photographer or artist you are welcome to practice your skills whilst on holiday at Huxtable Farm B&B whilst staying here, find a quiet area on the farm and experiment – woodland, pond, stream with waterfall, a variety of wildlife, pasture with sheep, hens and panoramic views of Devon, including a picturesque valley! Check out available B&B dates here

Availability

Please click on this link (2020 events dates) for some events to look forward to whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B and here for things you can do for free such as ;- Witness our small flock of Jacob ewes lambing during the weeks of April. Easter is on the 12th April; look forward to Easter Egg hunts at all the attractions in the area; Quince Honey Farm opening in April at it’s new larger site, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!
Other dates to remember: 22nd March Mother Day, 12th April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 8th & 25th May. 21st June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 31st August.
Already the snowdrops are emerging and a few primroses, Devon’s flower, are bringing some colour to this cooler month.

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0SR

Valley view through trees on Huxtable Farm Devon Wildlife Trail, now that our neighbour has felled a woodland area

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December – Christmas Gift Ideas

Eco Friendly Christmas Wrapping Paper

I’ve been having fun doing potato printing on recycled paper to make some recyclable Christmas wrapping paper

At Huxtable Farm B&B we have lots of lovely unique gifts available for you at Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast in Devon near Exmoor National Park.

Huxtable Farm B&B Voucher

Gift Vouchers to stay at Huxtable Farm B&B, from £50, please e-mail jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk or telephone 01598 760254 to find out more.

Check Availability

Book all about - Huxtable Farm - The story of a Devon Farm

Book – ‘Huxtable – The story of a Devon Farm’

‘Huxtable -The Story of a Devon Farm’ book £7.50 per copy plus £3.50 postage & packing within the UK

Unique Christmas or wool (7th) Anniversary gifts;- Huxtable Farm B&B’s Jacob Wool products made from the wool of our Jacob sheep;
100% wool throws, cushions, scarves, hand knitted hats and cowls.
For those who love to knit, crochet, spin, felt and craft with wool;
100gm balls of Jacob sheep wool in three different colours, grey, cream & dark brown.
Brown washed and carded fleece.
Knitting kits – Scarf and wrist warmers Kits or beautiful Lace Cowl Kits.
Please click here to see Huxtable Farm B&B’s Jacob Wool products

: Dark colour Jacob X Texel/Alpaca, natural colour wool. Type-DK. Tension 20sts & 28rows=10cm. Knitting needles 3.75mm/US5. Length 250m. Weight 100gms. £10

: 100gms Jacob lambs wool £10 each ball

: 100% Huxtable Farm Jacob wool throw (140cm x 180cm) £130

: Beginners Rib pattern wrist warmers & scarf Knitting Kit £13.95 (includes everything you need, 100gm Huxtable Farm Jacob wool ball, needles, pattern & buttons)

: Cable pattern wrist warmers & scarf Knitting Kit £13.95 (includes everything you need, 100gm Huxtable Farm Jacob wool ball, needles & pattern)

: 100% Huxtable farm Jacob wool scarf – dark £24

: 100% Huxtable Farm Jacob wool scarf – Light £24

: 100% Huxtable Farm Jacob wool fringe cushion – Dark £30

: Jacob washed and carded fleece ideal for spinning or felting 100gms £5

: Jacob wool cowl knitting Kit

: Jacob wool hats

All items are subject to additional postage & packing within the UK only, please Tel; 01598 760254 or e-mail jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk

Cards and mounted prints of
watercolour paintings by Jackie Payne

Huxtable Farm B&B Cards £2 each or all 6 for £11

Wild Flower Meadow Watercolour Mounted Print (not framed) by Jackie Payne £30

Daisies - Watercolour Mounted Print by Jackie Payne £30 (9"x13")

Daisies – Watercolour Mounted Print (not framed) by Jackie Payne £30 (9″x13″)

Springer Spaniel - Print of acrylic painting by Jackie Payne £30 (8.25"X11")

Springer Spaniel – Mounted print (not framed) of acrylic painting by Jackie Payne £30 (8.25″X11″)

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast in Devon near Exmoor National Park, situated near the village of West Buckland, halfway between the historic market towns of Barnstaple and South Molton and an ideal base for exploring North Devon’s beautiful gardens; Castle Hill Gardens, RHS Rosemoor, Marwood Hill and National Trust Arlington Court

Our daughter produces some beautiful mono leaf prints and runs print workshops, using leaves from the farm, do have a look at her website Print Nineteen

Print Nineteen

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October – Events in North Devon & Exmoor

Autumn conkers at North Devon B&B

There is still so much to do in North Devon & Exmoor during October;

Enjoy autumnal walks, through woodlands amongst the glorious golden colours of the tree canopies of Exmoor or at one of the many beautiful gardens of North Devon.

Taste delicious West Country Food at award winning eateries, local farmers markets and food festivals e.g. North Devon Food Fest 20th October

Autumn leaves at Huxtable Farm B&B North Devon

Have a Pumpkin time, at National Trust Arlington Court, by following the Pumpkin Trail and finding out more about the bats that live at Arlington Court 19th -27th October 2019

Pumpkin carving & Hocus Pocus Halloween Event 24th – 27th October at RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Hunt for Exmoor Red Deer (with your eyes & camera) during the rutting season (October) when Stags give their location away when they ‘roar’ also know as ‘bolving’.

Moon seen from Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve

Gaze at the stars and moon on a clear, crisp night or during Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 14th October – 3th November

North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Events page for October

Now that autumn has definitely arrived, we are busy selling logs and taking bookings for 2020 NOW

Availability

We thrilled to announce the safe arrival of our fifth beautiful granddaughter too!

This video of this year tame lambs, now 6mths old, makes me smile every time I watch it – Turn your volume up and ENJOY 🙂

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Happy Christmas from all at Huxtable Farm B&B

Happy Christmas from all at Huxtable Farm West Buckland, Devon, Exmoor

Happy Christmas from all at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Devon, Exmoor

Santa at St Johns Garden Centre Barnstaple

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas from Huxtable Farm B&B Accommodation.

We look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm B&B in 2019.

Please click here to see what’s on in 2019

May all your wishes come true XXX

Happy Christmas from all at Huxtable Farm; Homemade wreath, Reindeer in South Molton Pannier Market, Santa at StJohns Garden Centre & home-made Christmas Card

Happy Christmas from all at Huxtable Farm; Homemade wreath using foliage from our woodland, Reindeer in South Molton Pannier Market, Santa at St Johns Garden Centre & home-made Christmas Card

Huxtable Farm B&B Voucher

Gift Vouchers to stay at Huxtable Farm B&B, from £50, please e-mail jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk or telephone 01598 760254 to find out more.

Book – ‘Huxtable – The story of a Devon Farm’

‘Huxtable -The Story of a Devon Farm’ book £7.50 per copy plus £3.50 postage & packing within the UK

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Medieval Farmhouse and converted barns, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon. Situated near Filleigh, South Molton and Exmoor National Park on the Tarka Trail, an ideal base for visiting North Devon’s Gardens; RHS Rosemoor, Castle Hill, Marwood Hill and National Trust Arlington Court.

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December – Christmas Gift Ideas

Eco Friendly Christmas Wrapping Paper

I’ve been having fun doing potato printing on recycled paper to make some recyclable Christmas wrapping paper

At Huxtable Farm B&B we have lots of lovely unique gifts available for you at Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast in Devon near Exmoor National Park.

Huxtable Farm B&B Voucher

Gift Vouchers to stay at Huxtable Farm B&B, from £50, please e-mail jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk or telephone 01598 760254 to find out more.

Book – ‘Huxtable – The story of a Devon Farm’

Special Christmas Offer – FREE ‘Huxtable -The Story of a Devon Farm’ book for all Vouchers purchased as a Christmas Gift before 20/12/18

‘Huxtable -The Story of a Devon Farm’ book £7.50 per copy plus £3.50 postage & packing within the UK

Unique Christmas or wool (7th) Anniversary gifts;- Huxtable Farm B&B’s Jacob Wool products made from the wool of our Jacob sheep;
100% wool throws
Cushions
Scarves
Hand knitted hats and cowls
For those who love to knit, crochet, spin, felt and craft with wool;
100gm balls of Jacob sheep wool in three different colours, grey, cream & dark brown.
Brown washed and carded fleece.
Knitting kits – Scarf and wrist warmers Kits or beautiful cowl Kits.
Please click here to see Huxtable Farm B&B’s Jacob Wool products

: Light colour Jacob wool, 50/50 Jacob/Mohair, natural colour. Type-Lace. Tension 22sts & 34rows=10cm. Knitting needles 2.75mm/US2. Length 290m. Weight 100gms. £10

: Dark colour Jacob X Texel/Alpaca, natural colour wool. Type-DK. Tension 20sts & 28rows=10cm. Knitting needles 3.75mm/US5. Length 250m. Weight 100gms. £10

: 100gms Jacob lambs wool £10 each ball

: 100% Huxtable Farm Jacob wool throw (140cm x 180cm) £130

: Beginners Rib pattern wrist warmers & scarf Knitting Kit £13.95 (includes everything you need, 100gm Huxtable Farm Jacob wool ball, needles, pattern & buttons)

: Cable pattern wrist warmers & scarf Knitting Kit £13.95 (includes everything you need, 100gm Huxtable Farm Jacob wool ball, needles & pattern)

: 100% Huxtable farm Jacob wool scarf – dark £24

: 100% Huxtable Farm Jacob wool scarf – Light £24

: 100% Huxtable Farm Jacob wool fringe cushion – Dark £30

: Hand knitted hat

: British Jacob sheep wool neck tie £15 each

: Jacob wool felted lavender bag – dark £9

: Jacob wool felted lavender bag – light £9

: British Jacob lambs wool fingerless gloves £15 a pair

: Huxtable Farm Jacob wool felted necklace £22

: Jacob washed and carded fleece ideal for spinning or felting 100gms £5

: Jacob wool hats

: Jacob wool cowl knitting Kit

All items are subject to additional postage & packing within the UK only, please Tel; 01598 760254 or e-mail jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk

Cards and mounted prints of
watercolour paintings by Jackie Payne

Huxtable Farm B&B Cards £2 each or all 6 for £11

Wild Flower Meadow Watercolour Mounted Print by Jackie Payne £30

Daisies – Watercolour Mounted Print by Jackie Payne £30 (9″x13″)

Springer Spaniel – Print of acrylic painting by Jackie Payne £30 (8.25″X11″)

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August – Things to do in North Devon

Cards painted by Jackie

Although a bit of the shock to the system, the much need rain at the end of July will be great to get the grass growing again. and the sheep will be happy not be eating what looked & felt like crispy hay!

In the good weather I’ve been busy painting producung some cards and prints available to purchase, printed from some of my art work.

There’s so much to see and do in North Devon with so much going on during August, here’s a little sample of what’s happening;

Instow from Appledore

1st August North Devon Show

4th – 11th August Combe Martin Carnival week

5th August Appledore and Instow Regatta Day , a day of races and activities.

10th August World Championship Crabbing Contest on , starting at 5pm on Appledore Quay.

11th August; Lynmouth Raft Race, The Big Sheep BMX Day, Ilfracombe’s South West Birdman, where people jump of the pier in an attempt to fly in fun costumes

11th and 12th August Exmoor Zoo Bug Weekend – Get up close to some of England’s bugs

16th August Dartington Crystal, glassware company are having a gin event. They’ll be making their own crystal gin for one day only and are also offering free engraving when you buy a bottle of gin and a pair of gin glasses.

18th August the Pleasure Dome Theatre Company will be performing Lear at the Valley of Rocks near Lynton and Lynmouth

RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

18th August Clovelly’s Gig Regatta Day with live music and BBQ

17, 18 & 19th August RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

18th – 19th August Bubblicious Bubble Weekend at The Big Sheep, where you can make some gigantic bubbles 🙂

19th August Appledore Carnival

23rd – 25th August at the Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe Beer Festival

25th August the Grand Tour MINI Run at The Big Sheep

National Trust Arlington Court

26th August Marshall from Paw Patrol will be at The Big Sheep

26th August Ilfracombe Carnival

27th August. Watch the end of the annual MINI Madness Grand Tour in Ilfracombe

31st August Alice’s adventures in Wonderland at National Trust Arlington Court

Throughout August Quince Honey Farm will be hosting live beekeeping demonstrations and RHS Garden Rosemoor are holding a Jurassic Discovery Garden Trail

Not forgetting that there are so many Free things to do at Huxtable Farm B&B

and beautiful North Devon places to visit;

Valley of the Rocks near Lynton and Lynmouth

Watersmeet Exmoor

National Trust Arlington Court

Baggy Point Cafe Sandleigh

September & October at Huxtable Farm ;

Art Trek 2018 – North Devon Open Studios 14th – 30th September. Huxtable Farm’s Jacob wool is part of this years Art Trek open to the public on the 15th, 16th, 18th, 25th, 29th & 30th September 11am – 4pm.

New this year at Huxtable Farm – Three day painting course with Ruth Bateman – 23, 24 & 25th October – Click here to find out the details

Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, North Devon, England

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February-Snowdrops and things to do this year

Bird box

Time to enjoy the beautiful snowdrops of North Devon, littered in the hedgerow at Huxtable Farm B&B , RHS Rosemoor and at Snowdrop Valley (a privately owned remote valley in a hidden part of Exmoor close to Whedden Cross open to the public 27th Jan – 25th Feb)

The bird boxes are up around the farm again – Looking forward to house this year’s Spring birds.

Stream on Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

This February you can also get a taste of Exmoor by sampling the delicious, local food prepared by some great Exmoor restaurants during ‘The Exmoor Food Festival’ – Eat your way across Exmoor during February 2018! Participating restaurants across the region will offer 2 courses for £10.00 / 3 courses for £15.00 between 1st and 28th February. Great to stop off at during a walk on Exmoor or after having done Huxtable Farm’s Wildlife Trail

Our flock of sheep are due to start lambing at the end of March and during April – Do come and enjoy this time of year with us.

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon in February and March we have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 13th March 2018.

Owl box on Wildlife farm trail

Otherwise, please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2018 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar

Including some #Easter #Egg hunts to look forward to at all the attractions in the area;
April – RHS Rosemoor – Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt & Easter crafts.
Easter fun at National Trust Arlington Court & Cadburys Easter Eggs Hunt.
Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Bottle fed tame lamb

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Happy 2018

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2018 from all at Huxtable Farm B&B xx

Huxtable Farm B&B North Devon Exmoor

Please click on this link (2018 events dates) for some events to look forward to whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B and here for things you can do for free

Such as ;- Witness our ewes lambing during the three weeks 26th March – 14th April. Easter is on the 1st April; to look forward to Easter Egg hunts at all the attractions in the area; Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Other dates to remember: 14th February – Valentines Day, 11th March Mother Day, 1st April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 7th & 28th May. 17th June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 27th August.

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Butterfly Count & Exmoor – South West Coast Path

We’ve done the 2017 Butterfly count , have you? Here’s some of the butterflies we spotted at Huxtable Farm B&B.

Butterfly Peacock

Butterfly Red Admiral

Butterfly Speckled Wood

Butterfly Meadow Brown

Butterfly Green Veined White

Butterfly Gatekeeper

It’s National Parks Week from 24th to 30th July and we’re so lucky to have Exmoor National Park just up the road from Huxtable Farm B&B. Exmoor National Park boasts the highest sea cliffs in England and some of the most stunning sea views, making this part of the South West Coast path dramatic and stunning!

Exmoor is home to an amazing variety of habitats & wildlife, including historic Exmoor ponies and Red deer. There’s vast open moorland to deep wooded valleys with rambling rivers & waterfalls e.g. at Watersmeet. There’s so much to explore on Exmoor.

Things to do during July & August in North Devon ; –

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival has 2000 roses on display now 17th June – 30th July – The largest rose gardens in the South West. Enid Blyton Exhibition of Memorabilia exhibition 15th July – 28th August. Famous Five fun at Rosemoor (childrens activities) 29 July – 3 September Mon – Friday

National Trust Arlington Court – Family ranger days, drop-in family crafts & garden days – PDF of events

Things to do for free at Huxtable Farm B&B

Gardens to visit in North Devon

Beaches to visit in North Devon

Wildlife & Nature of North Devon & Exmoor

North Devon Show 2nd August

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne