Awnells Farm 

Awnells Farm at Much Marcle has been in David Powell's family for over 70 years. Mr Powell looks after a herd of Herefordshire cattle and harvests apples and pears from his orchards. Usually people would be invited to walk around the meadows and orchards at his farm, but because of the foot and mouth worries, it was decided to restrict access this year.

Mr Powell is concerned with the conservation of local birds, butterflies and flowers around his farm. As he has no direct family of his own he decided to give his farm land to the Countryside Restoration Trust. John Hawker, a trustee, told me that Mr Powell didn't want to see his farm being divided up in the future and that he wanted it to be in safe keeping. TheTrust is concerned with combining profitable farming with conservation values.

For more information click on this link for the Countryside Restoration Trust.

I discovered a lovely book at the farm by Jonathan Latimer entitled Orchards: Through The Eyes Of An Artist published by Langford Press. This book of our local countryside is a visual feast for the eyes.

To see some of his artwork online follow this link for Jonathan Latimer. 

Lyne Down Farm

At the edge of Marcle Ridge sits Lyne Down farm, which still produces cider and perry the old fashioned way. Using 120 year old antique stone twinscrew presses the apple and pear juice is extracted and then fermented in oak barrels.

Their cider, perry and apple brandy is described as Herefordshire's best kept secret.

Performing at Lyne Down Farm on the Saturday and Sunday were Cyder City Jazz.