Hands of Hope invites you to their beautiful site, Hope Farm Community Garden, (HFCG) on Friday, August 25 from 11am-2pm. The Living History is a two year project made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which is committed to engaging local communities in discovering the hidden, but vibrant, natural, cultural and community heritage of HFCG and the High Weald Area of outstanding beauty. Just off Moor Hill in Hawkhurst, TN18 4QB, the farm / garden is about teaching traditional skills and heritage crafts such as bee keeping, wood turning, herbal medicine, wool spinning and weaving.
On the open day, there will be activities for children including nature games and activities, a meadow maze and pond dipping. Visitors can learn a new craft, enjoy a coffee, unwind and buy some of the organic, freshly grown vegetable. There is the possibility of meeting people who are passionate about bringing the past to life and exploring the beautiful ancient woodland and wildflower meadows of this historical significant site. James Doran, founder and chair of Hands of Hope says: “Living History is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to learn new skills, unearth interesting facts about our heritage and engage with the local community as well as reconnect with nature. We are so excited to be running our first ever Open Day and look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.”
Their very own, on site, organic farm shop is now open, on Fridays between 10am and 4pm They sell fruit and vegetables harvested from the farm and will even pop down to the field to pick while you wait. On coming through the gates of this organic enterprise you experience a whole new world of food production, educational and community activities. Each area of the smallholding demonstrates the commitment of staff and volunteers to producing natural, nutritious food in a sustainable friendly way. The fruit trees in the orchard provide a variety of apples which attract bees from the hives which also provide honey, for sale in the site shop.
So many things have been developed since taking over the site, not just growing sustainable food but also setting up a Forest School, a child centred inspirational learning space that offers holistic growth through regular sessions. Visitors will find so much more to explore and enjoy. If you can’t make it on August 25, you can find out additional day visits by emailing on info@hohcharity.co.uk
Image Credits: Ann Chown .