Plaw Hatch Farm is a community-owned biodynamic farm on the edge of Ashdown Forest, just outside Sharpthorne, and it’s been going strong for around 40 years. Visitors will find themselves wandering a working farm where everything has a purpose – from the dairy herd and laying hens to sheep, pigs and beef cattle. It’s all connected: the cows produce raw milk and cream, which becomes cheese and yoghurt; whey feeds the pigs; the garden provides vegetables and fruit; and the butchery processes animals raised on site. This gives the place a real rhythm and authenticity.
When you pop into the shop, you’ll see that about 90 per cent of what’s grown and reared is sold through there, alongside other local organic produce. There’s raw milk straight from the dairy – unpasteurised and unhomogenised, carefully handled under strict standards, giving it a fresh, natural taste. The butcher’s counter is packed on Tuesdays to Thursdays with cuts and sausages made using traditional methods and heritage breeds.
One highlight is the Coffee Barn in a converted horsebox, where you can grab barista coffee from Tuesday to Saturday. It’s cosy and welcoming, complete with sheepskins and heaters in winter, and cakes that have something of a local legend status. And yes, dogs on leads are welcome – it’s that kind of relaxed place.
The whole farm plots out over 200 acres, with 12 acres of garden and polytunnels full of seasonal and heritage crops, all hand‑planted and hand‑picked. Visitors are encouraged to explore openly, watch the cows being milked around 4 pm most days, and appreciate just how the cycle of food production works – a genuine thing to see.
Things To Do
Once you’ve had your fill of farm life, there’s plenty else to do within three miles. Head into Ashdown Forest for a gentle walk or cycle among open heathland. The Roebuck pub in Wych Cross offers a relaxed spot for a drink or lunch. Or visit nearby Sharpthorne village for a stroll along country lanes, where you might spot some rural wildlife.
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