By Ruth Lawrence
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Home grown Wayfield Park Farm sits snug on a hillside in Pyecombe looking out towards Wolstonbury Hill; a majestic location utterly in keeping with the growing array of local produce now available at their recently opened Farm Shop.
Markus and Liz Saich bought the land and built their house here eight years ago. As first generation farmers, they keep one of only two remaining herds of pure-bred Sussex Cows, a breed deeply linked to the area’s heritage. The light, spacious shop and tea rooms are full of local meat, veg, fruit and artisan bread and a tempting wander round the shelves revealed some culinary gems. ‘Ditchling Dragons’ sausages, High Weald cheeses, Southdowns butter, Ouse Valley jams; the names read of local geography and conjure up our rolling, dipping hills and plentiful sunshine. From fruit juices squeezed in Flimwell to handmade bread from Slindon Bakery, the foods here are top quality and so local you can virtually glimpse the suppliers from the shop. If you have a taste for something a little further afield, try the corner dedicated to French artisan specialities such as lavender vinegar, salted butter caramel or the range of delicious Provençale soups. I couldn’t resist a slice of homemade lemon drizzle cake from the mouth-watering selection at the café – just perfect. And the Barista trained staff also serve coffee and light lunch ideal for any hungry hikers fresh from the Downs. Wheelchair accessible and horse rider friendly, the shop and whole area is criss-crossed by footpaths and bridleways with ample parking available. A true family affair, Markus and Liz’s children work here and local artists’ pictures cover the walls with plentiful exhibition space for newcomers. There will soon be a small livestock area next to the shop for visitors to see the animals up close; as well as over a hundred cattle, a small flock of Southdown sheep, pigs, chickens and a goat called Bruno share the 77 acres with the family. On Saturday 11th October, a handmade craft and vintage fair will be showcasing local talent, and during half term on Tuesday 28th October there will be a children’s story telling session by local author, Julian Warrender. For Halloween we will have a fright-night of spooky ghost-stories by candlelight, details of which are on our website and Facebook page. People are also encouraged to use the tea rooms for meetings or social events. Wayfield Park Farm is fast becoming a welcoming hub for Pyecombe; Markus and Liz have built their enterprise from the ground up and their hard work has created something unique and lasting in this perfect South Downs location.
the foods here are top quality and so local you can virtually glimpse the suppliers from the shop. Wayfield Park Farm London Road, Pyecombe, West Sussex BN45 7ED Tel: 01273 857072 Shop Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm, Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm. Visit www.wayfieldparkfarm.co.uk or Wayfield Park Farm Shop And Cafe on Facebook. info@wayfieldparkfarm.co.uk
S u sse x L i v i n g October 2014
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