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Why Seasonal Eating works

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:38:42 GMT

Why Seasonal Eating works

There’s something special about eating food at the right time of year. A tomato warmed by the summer sun, a plum picked ripe from the tree, or a courgette harvested from the garden that morning simply tastes different.

At Eves Hill Farm , August is a time of abundance. Our orchard is producing beautiful plums, while the market garden is full of fresh tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, chillies and peppers . These are foods that belong to this moment in the farming year – and there are plenty of good reasons to enjoy them now.

What does eating seasonally actually mean?

Seasonal eating is simply choosing fruit and vegetables when they naturally grow and ripen in your part of the world.

Modern supermarkets can make it easy to forget that food has seasons. We have become accustomed to seeing tomatoes, strawberries, peppers and countless other fruits and vegetables on the shelves throughout the year.

When they aren’t naturally in season here, that produce may have travelled hundreds or thousands of miles to reach us, or been grown using additional heat, light and energy to create conditions that nature isn’t providing at that time of year.

Eating seasonally asks us to do something a little different : instead of deciding what we want to eat and then finding somewhere in the world that is growing it, we look at what the land around us is producing and build our meals around that.

Better flavour

Perhaps the most immediate reason for eating seasonally is taste.

Fruit and vegetables harvested when they are naturally ready can be allowed to ripen properly before they are picked. Produce destined to travel long distances often has a very different journey, needing to withstand harvesting, packing, refrigeration, transport and days or even weeks within a supply chain.

Compare that with a plum picked ripe from an orchard or a tomato harvested from the market garden, and the difference is remarkable.

Right now, our plums are sweet and ripe, the tomatoes are full of flavour and the courgettes, aubergines, chillies and peppers are thriving. This is their moment.

Fewer food miles and a closer connection to our food

Buying local, seasonal produce can also shorten the distance between field and plate.

Food miles aren’t the only factor in the environmental impact of what we eat – how food is grown, stored and produced matters too – but choosing locally grown produce in its

natural season can help us avoid some of the transport, refrigeration and energy associated with bringing out-of-season food to our tables.

There is another benefit that is harder to measure: connection.

When we eat with the seasons, we notice the farming year.

We look forward to the first tomatoes. We appreciate the few glorious weeks when the plums are ready. We find ourselves wondering what to do with a glut of courgettes and discovering new ways to cook aubergines. Then, as summer turns towards autumn, those ingredients disappear and something new takes their place.

Food becomes something to anticipate rather than something we expect to be available all year round.

Seasonal abundance encourages creativity

Eating seasonally doesn’t have to feel restrictive. In fact, it can make cooking much more interesting.

At this time of year, you might roast courgettes, aubergines, tomatoes and peppers together; turn ripe tomatoes and chillies into a fresh sauce; preserve a glut as chutneys and pickles; or simply eat a perfectly ripe plum straight from the tree.

When something is abundant, we learn how to use it. We swap recipes, preserve produce for later and perhaps try vegetables we wouldn’t normally put in our shopping basket.

Then the season changes, and so does the kitchen.

Supporting local growers

Choosing seasonal produce from local farms and growers also means putting more value back into the local food system.

Growing food is shaped by weather, soil, seasons and a great deal of work. Buying what is being harvested locally gives growers a market for crops when they are at their most abundant.

It also gives shoppers the opportunity to understand where their food has come from, how it was grown and even who grew it.

That relationship between grower, land and community is something we want to nurture at Eves Hill Farm.

Enjoy it while it lasts

One of the joys of seasonal eating is that nothing lasts forever.

Soon the summer crops will slow down and autumn produce will take their place. That’s not something we need to overcome by importing summer all year round – it’s part of what makes seasonal food exciting.

So, while the orchard branches are carrying ripe plums and the market garden is overflowing with tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, chillies and peppers, we’re going to enjoy them.

It also gives shoppers the opportunity to understand where their food has come from, how it was grown and even who grew it.

That relationship between grower, land and community is something we want to nurture at Eves Hill Farm.

Enjoy it while it lasts

One of the joys of seasonal eating is that nothing lasts forever.

So, while the orchard branches are carrying ripe plums and the market garden is overflowing with tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, chillies and peppers, we’re going to enjoy them.

Fresh, local and in season – just as they should be.

Our farm shop is always the best place to find the seasonal fruit and vegetables we have produced, as well as many local producers. Come and see what is currently in stock.

Harvest

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:41:06 GMT

Harvest Has Begun at Eves Hill Farm

Harvest is one of the most important and rewarding times of the farming year, and we’re delighted to say that it’s officially underway here at Eves Hill Farm.

We’ve just started harvesting our low-input malting spring barley , and once that’s safely in the shed, we’ll move on to our Wild-farmed Spring wheat - another important crop in our regenerative farming system.

Like many farmers across the country, this hasn’t been an easy growing season. A combination of prolonged dry weather and extreme heat has challenged crops throughout the year, making every tonne we harvest feel even more valuable. Despite the difficult conditions, we’re incredibly grateful to have a crop to bring home.

The Return of the “Yellow Peril”

Harvest wouldn’t be harvest at Eves Hill Farm without one very familiar face…

Our trusty New Holland 8060 combine, affectionately known as the “Yellow Peril,” is once again rolling through the fields. Bought when I was a child over 45 years ago , she’s been part of countless harvests and has become a much-loved member of the farm.

This may well be her final harvest.

She’s hot to drive, incredibly noisy, and by the end of the day everything—and everyone—is covered in dust. Modern combines may be bigger, faster and packed with technology, but there’s something special about watching this old machine doing what she’s done so faithfully for decades.

Every pass across the field carries with it memories of harvests gone by, family working together, and the traditions that continue to shape life on the farm today.

Farming Through the Challenges

Harvest is always a race against the weather. Long days quickly become long nights as every opportunity is taken to gather the crops while conditions are right.

This year, the challenges have been different. The prolonged drought and repeated heatwaves have tested crops and farmers alike. While we can’t control the weather, we adapt, plan and keep going—because that’s what farming demands.

Growing low-input barley and Wild-farmed wheat reflects our commitment to farming in a way that works with nature, building healthier soils and more resilient crops for the future.

A Thank You to Farmers Everywhere

As you enjoy your morning toast, your lunchtime sandwich or your evening meal, we’d ask you to spare a thought for farmers across the country.

Right now, thousands of farming families are working from dawn until well after dusk, putting in long, tiring days to harvest the crops that will become the food on our tables.

It’s demanding work, often carried out in intense heat, dust and noise, but it’s also one of the most satisfying times of the year. There is nothing quite like the feeling of bringing the harvest home.

From all of us at Eves Hill Farm, thank you for continuing to support British farming, local food and family farms. Every visit to our Farm Shop, Farmers’ Market, campsite and events helps support businesses like ours and the work that goes into producing food sustainably.

Here’s hoping for safe harvests, kind weather and a successful end to the season for farmers everywhere.

Extended Summer Opening Hours for our Dog Walking Field

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:00:15 GMT

Extended Summer Opening Hours for our Dog Walking Field

Avoid the hottest part of the day

Looking for a secure dog walking field in Norfolk where your dog can run safely off the lead? This summer, we’ve extended the opening hours of our popular secure dog exercise field at Eves Hill Farm to help owners avoid the hottest part of the day.

From now and throughout the summer, our secure dog field is open daily from 5:00am until 10:00pm.

The earlier opening and later closing times mean you can enjoy a peaceful morning walk before the day heats up or visit after work when temperatures are much kinder for your dog. During periods of extreme heat, walking at cooler times of the day is one of the best ways to protect your dog’s health and wellbeing.

A Safe Space for Dogs to Run Free

Our fully enclosed dog walking field offers the perfect place for dogs to enjoy off-lead exercise in a safe and secure environment. Whether your dog has unreliable recall, is nervous around other dogs, or simply loves having plenty of space to run, our field provides peace of mind for owners and freedom for dogs.

To help keep everyone comfortable during the warmer months, we’ve provided fresh mains drinking water, so your dog can stay hydrated and cool down after their exercise.

Make the Most of Your Visit

Why not stop by our farm shop while you’re here? We serve freshly made coffees, cold drinks and snacks, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing visit before or after your walk.

We also have visitor toilet facilities, so everything you need is right here on the farm.

Book Your Dog Walking Session Online

Booking your visit is quick and easy. Simply choose your preferred time slot and pay online before you arrive.

We look forward to welcoming you and your four-legged friends to Eves Hill Farm. Whether you’re searching for a secure dog walking field near Norwich, a safe place for off-lead exercise, or simply somewhere peaceful to enjoy quality time with your dog, we’re here to help you make the most of the summer.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Our First Plum Harvest – A Milestone for the Orchard

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:53:31 GMT

Our First Plum Harvest – A Milestone for the Orchard

There’s a real sense of excitement in the orchard this summer as we prepare to harvest our very first commercial crop of plums.

Over the past few years, we’ve watched the trees establish themselves, blossom each spring, and quietly grow stronger with every season. Now, all that patience and care is beginning to bear fruit - quite literally! Seeing the branches laden with ripening plums is a rewarding moment and an exciting milestone for everyone involved.

Our commercial orchard is home to a wonderful mix of fruit trees. Alongside our plums, you’ll find pears and apples, as well as a small collection of medlar trees. Medlars are one of Britain’s traditional fruits and are rarely seen today, making them a special addition to the orchard and a reminder of the importance of preserving heritage varieties alongside more familiar favourites.

Bees

At the very heart of the orchard sits our bee apiary. The bees play a vital role in pollinating the blossom each spring, helping to ensure healthy fruit set across the orchard while supporting the wider biodiversity of the farm. Their gentle buzz is one of the sounds that makes the orchard such a special place throughout the growing season.

We’re delighted that this year’s plum harvest will be available to purchase in our farm shop . There’s something incredibly satisfying about being able to offer fruit that has been grown just a short walk away, picked at its best and sold fresh to our local community.

Seasonal food

Growing seasonal food has always been an important part of what we do. Every new harvest represents another step towards providing fresh, local produce while reducing food miles and celebrating the changing seasons. We believe there’s great value in knowing where your food comes from and in supporting farming that works with nature.

As summer unfolds, we look forward to welcoming you to the farm shop to enjoy the first taste of our home-grown plums. We can’t wait to share this exciting new chapter with you - and we hope it’s the first of many fruitful harvests to come.

Farmers’ Market & Craft Fair

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:49:31 GMT

Farmers’ Market & Craft Fair

Saturday 19th July

Saturday 19th July

Our next Farmers’ Market & Craft Fair takes place on  Saturday 19th July , from  10:00am until 2:30pm .

Now in our   fourth year  of hosting these markets, we’re grateful to have built a community of loyal visitors, local producers and talented crafters. Many of our stallholders return month after month, helping to create the friendly atmosphere that makes each market so special.

Held on our working family farm, the market brings together  over 60 Norfolk producers and crafters , with stalls both inside and outside. It’s an opportunity to buy directly from local growers, makers and small businesses, whether you’re looking for fresh produce, artisan food or handmade crafts.

A place where people meet

One of the main reasons we host these events is to create a sense of community around the farm. We want it to be a place where people can meet, catch up with friends, enjoy good food, support local businesses and spend time together in a relaxed setting.

Some of our regular stallholders include   Pies, Puds & Tarts ,  Rusty Krab Rum Shop  and  Reworked Canvas , along with many other fantastic Norfolk businesses. Their continued support over the past four years has helped make the market what it is today, and it’s always a pleasure to welcome both familiar faces and first-time visitors.

We’ll also have  live music from country singer Tom Mally , a selection of street food vendors and our farm BBQ.

The market is  free to enter , with  free parking   available, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Whether you’re coming to shop, enjoy some lunch or simply spend a few hours on the farm, we look forward to welcoming you on  Saturday 19th July .

A Brighter Future at Eves Hill Farm – Our New Solar Power Project is Complete

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:37:31 GMT

A Brighter Future at Eves Hill Farm – Our New Solar Power Project is Complete

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from Eves Hill Farm! As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming in Norfolk, we’ve completed one of our biggest investments to date – the installation of a brand-new 47.7kW solar power system.

Working with a trusted local contractor, we’ve installed 106 solar panels on the roof of one of our cattle sheds, enabling us to generate clean, renewable electricity right here on the farm.

Making Better Use of What We Already Have

One of the aspects we’re most proud of is that no productive farmland has been taken out of use. Rather than covering fields with solar panels, we’ve made use of the existing roof space on our cattle shed.

It’s a practical solution that allows us to continue producing food while generating renewable energy – making the most of the buildings already on the farm.

Powering the Farm Sustainably

Our new solar installation, combined with battery storage, will provide much of the electricity needed to power:

Our Farm Shop
Our Campsite
The Farmhouse

For much of the year, we’ll be able to operate largely off-grid, reducing our reliance on externally generated electricity and making our family business more resilient for the future.

Reducing Our Environmental Impact

This project is about far more than reducing energy bills . The new system is expected to reduce our carbon footprint by around 11 tonnes of CO₂ every year, while significantly reducing emissions associated with electricity generation, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

Every step we take towards cleaner energy helps protect the environment and supports a healthier future for our countryside.

Investing in the Future of Our Community

This project isn’t just an investment in Eves Hill Farm, it’s an investment in our local community. By producing our own renewable electricity, we’re helping to protect the farm from rising energy costs, allowing us to continue investing in the things our visitors love, from our Farm Shop and Campsite to our Farmers’ Markets , Craft Fairs and secure Dog Walking Field.

We’re also proud to have worked with a local contractor, supporting local jobs and keeping investment within the Norfolk economy.

Just as importantly, we’ve shown that renewable energy and food production can work hand in hand. By using the roof of our cattle shed rather than valuable farmland, we’re continuing to produce food while embracing a cleaner, more sustainable way of powering our business.

As a working family farm that welcomes thousands of visitors every year, we hope this project demonstrates that farms can play an important role in tackling climate change while continuing to support their local communities.

Regenerative Farming for Future Generations

At Eves Hill Farm, we believe farming is about much more than producing food. It’s about caring for the land, supporting wildlife, embracing innovation and leaving the farm in a better condition for the next generation.

Our investment in renewable energy is another important step on our regenerative farming journey. Alongside looking after our soils, livestock and local environment, we’re building a business that is stronger, more sustainable and better prepared for the future.

We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful to everyone who supports Eves Hill Farm. Every visit to our Farm Shop, Campsite, Farmers’ Market, Craft Fair or Secure Dog Walking Field helps us continue investing in projects like this that benefit both our farm and our community.

The future is looking brighter than ever—and this time, it’s powered by the Norfolk sunshine.

5/6/2026

Glamping is here!

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 08:59:41 GMT

Glamping is here!

With glamping (or glamourous camping) becoming an increasingly popular choice with holidaymakers wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, but with more than just a touch of luxury, we’ve decided to offer visitors the chance to experience the tranquillity and beauty of the Norfolk countryside in lovingly built, traditional East Anglian shepherd’s huts.

This year, we’re launching glamping with two shepherd’s huts now installed on site. Each shepherd’s hut features a double bed, log burning stove and power and is decorated in a cosy country style, bringing a touch of glamping luxury under the big skies of the Norfolk countryside.

They’re really rather cosy…

We’re really excited about having the glamping option here on the farm. The huts really are a special place from which to spend a few days exploring the Norfolk countryside and what’s more, there is a family connection with the huts too, as they have been hand built by second cousin Andrew.

The Farm sits on 250 acres, where we grow mixed arable crops, grassland and have a prize-winning herd of pedigree Hereford cattle, which of course, are maintained to the highest standards of animal welfare and stewardship.

An intensive programme of planting for wildlife has been undertaken all around the farm with miles of hedgerows, new woodlands and hundreds of native trees planted. Field margins have been established with wild flowers to attract insects, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies.

All this means we’re positively surrounded by countryside filled with native wildlife, walks, pubs and cycle routes, making it the perfect base from which to explore the Norfolk countryside.

Weather it’s a weekend break from the city, a pitstop on a cycle tour, walking holiday or you just want a place to connect with nature, the peace and quiet here takes a lot of beating.

Super busy on the farm

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 08:57:51 GMT

Super busy on the farm

Welcome welcome welcome to our brand spanking new website! We absolutely love it and hope you do too.

As ever, it’s been super busy on the farm. We have almost finished autumn calving 2018; just awaiting Mathilda to give birth to her second calf. We have had four wonderful calves so far, from first time calving heifers, using semen from two outstanding Hereford bulls, Normanton Laertes and SMH Kingsize 87K. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, a bull and a heifer calf from each bull respectively.

Having bought our lovely cows in from pasture to wean their calves, we have put them out again over winter to graze a forage rye and vetch cover crop. A first for us, and so far, so good, although they did decide to go for one outing onto the Norwich road! Fortunately, no-one was hurt and we managed to return the girls safely to their field.

We’ve also been busy delivering our beef boxes to meet our returning customers. It’s so satisfying supplying the local community with our Hereford produce. We work hard to achieve the standards required by the farm assurance scheme Red Tractor and take great satisfaction from the lovely feedback from our customers.

It’s reassuring to see that people are still enjoying red meat despite the growth in veganism and all the fake news about British livestock farming contributing to climate change (don’t get me started on that one).

We will have more beef boxes available in the New Year.

Until next time, take care.