It was great to visit the local North Devon Biosphere Reserve and see the projects which are currently being focused on. Home Farm Marsh is being restored as a wetland to encourage wildlife and birds, including lapwings to the area. A bird hide is also planned here. Annery Lime kiln, which was in operation from 1872 to 1966 and Lord Rolle’s Canal which incorporates a wheel pit chamber. The project plans to expose part of the wheel pit and sink a shaft down so the public are able to see the depth of the original chamber the mechanism of this was attached to tub boats which helped move the barges from one level of the canal to another. It’s amazing that all this is happening right on our doorstep and Marsdens is the only local company currently supporting these Biosphere projects.
Ilfracombe Harbour Lights
I am really excited about visiting Ilfracombe this weekend, to see the Christmas Harbour lights being switched on. The view from Quay Cottage is always fantastic and there is plenty to do down there for all ages, from listening to the carol singers accompanied by the Barnstaple marching band, perusing the stalls at the table top sale in the church hall, having a little tipple in one of the many watering holes or visiting the RNLI stationhouse where the children can see Father Christmas his grotto!
I’m dreaming of a Marsden’s Christmas…
What a winter! I can’t wait to hunker down and forget travelling, the stresses of work and whether I’ve actually finally finished my Christmas shopping list! And after all the incredible snow these last few weeks it looks like it might be a very special White Christmas. North Devon and Exmoor really is a wonderful place to celebrate with family and friends – from the amazing local food and drink to the superb local crafts and home made goods; all set against an unbeatable landscape of rugged coast and rolling country – what could be better?
For me I’m looking foward to my fifth mince pie, a glass of Tarka brewed ale, and putting my feet up in front of the fire – fantastic!
Barnstaple Farmers Market
Operating six days a week through most of the year the market offers a huge range of exciting fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, a fantastic range of antiques and collectables for all those Bargain Hunters among you and much much more. With a proud history and tradition the market has been voted amongst the top ten food markets in the country and any visit will bring the chance to enjoy this famous old building and to sample the friendly atmosphere generated by the traders and shoppers alike.
Pannier Market,
Town Centre,
Barnstaple,
EX31 1SY
Tel:01271 379084
South Molton Farmers’ Market
It is generally accepted by most farmers’ markets that stall holders must have grown, bred, caught, pickled, brewed or baked the goods themselves. Their main emphasis is to help local producers and processors to sell their goods directly to the public, near their source of origin.
The selection of goods available will vary with the season and location. However, you are likely to find a delicious selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cakes, fruit juices and dairy products.
Farmers Market every 4th Saturday 7am – 1pm
Usual Pannier Market: Thursdays & Saturdays 8.30am – 1pm
The Pannier Market,
South Molton,
EX36 3AB
John Talbot
Tel: 01769 572252
Holsworthy Farmer’s Market
The selection of goods available will vary with the season and location, however, you are likely to find a delicious selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cakes, fruit juices and dairy products.
The Square,
Holsworthy.
Every Wednesday.
For further information please contact the Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre
Tel: 01409 254 185
Croyde Farmers’ Market
The selection of goods available will vary with the season and location, however, you are likely to find a delicious selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cakes, fruit juices and dairy products.
Croyde Village Hall,
EX33 1LZ
Tel: 08445 599407
3rd Saturday of the month, 9.30am – 12pm
(however third Sun in july, and first and third Sun in Aug. Dec no market)
Bratton Fleming Farmers’ Market
Held on the 4th Saturday of the month at the Village Hall, between 9.30am and 12pm.
The selection of goods available will vary with the season and location, however, you are likely to find a delicious selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cakes, fruit juices and dairy products.
Bratton Fleming Village Hall,
Tel: 01598 710807
email: pannier.market@northdevon.gov.uk
Lynton Farmers’ Market
Vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, breads and cakes, fruit juices and dairy produce.
Lynton Town Hall,
1st Saturday of the month (except January), 10am – 12.30pm
Tel: 01271-379084
Heanton Farmers’ Market
The selection of goods available will vary with the season and location, however, you are likely to find a delicious selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cakes, fruit juices and dairy products.
2nd Saturday of the month 9.30am – 12pm
Heanton Parish Hall,
Wrafton,
EX33 2BT
Tel: 01271 816975
email: allan@devonfarmersmarkets.co.uk
