Events                                                                           Click Here for Newsletter 250 PEOPLE TURN OUT TO SEE THE FREE RANGING COWS!   A fun filled day was had by all as cows & people mingled happily at the Three Harbours Beef Farm Walks & Talks on Northney Farm, Hayling Island recently. Around 250 people of all ages visited Northney Farm when, for the first time, the farm opened its doors to the public. The day was a joint venture between the farm, Three Harbours Beef & Chichester Harbour Conservancy, & was sponsored by the Friends of Chichester Harbour. Walkers were shown around the farm & met experts on the way to explain some of the issues facing farmers today. As a coastal farm in Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Northney Farm has joined the Three Harbours Beef Scheme. The beef from the free range cows raised on these salt-tinted, herbal-rich marshes is sold locally through farm shops & a box scheme. The scheme works to protect coastal grazing marshes, a key habitat for wildlife such as Lapwing, Oyster Catchers & Water Voles, & wildflowers such as Southern Marsh Orchids  The walks on these stunningly beautiful coastal landscapes (designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest & County Wildlife Sites), offered the chance to see the fantastic views over the harbour, & the special flora & fauna reliant upon the marsh. The importance of the marsh was also explained & visitors were shown the free range Three Harbours beef cattle, who were very interested & happy to say hello to many of the walkers. During the Open Day, visitors learnt about the coastal defence issues facing many of our farmers with land adjoining the shoreline. John Blamire, Farming & Environmental advisor also explained the importance of native hedgerows, Ed Rowsell Conservation Officer & wildlife expert was also on hand to explain the importance of species residing on the marsh. Farmer Mary Pike told the groups about their farm & how they sell their produce direct through their Farm shop – Stoke Fruit Farm, crops produced include wheat, potatoes & peas. A dairy herd of about 80 cows provides fresh milk & the farm is planning to include ice cream in its products from next year. In addition they now provide beef cattle to the scheme, Mary said “I’m very keen to develop this side of the business, which is able to provide high-quality beef with low food miles & an environmental & ethical edge”. Back in the barn, the family were serving hot beef-burgers, sausages & Chilli from Three Harbours Beef, & Stoke Fruit Farm Shop had a colourful display of their produce for sale. Nigel Roper for the Friends of Chichester Harbour, who supported the day commented ‘it was a great atmosphere with families enjoying seeing the farm & then being able to tuck into quality burgers afterwards. The Friends are keen to support farmers who are essential to the management of land within the AONB.’   Three Harbours Beef hold Farm Walks & Talks usually twice a year. If you are interested in attending future walks please contact Nicki on 01243 607243 or email your contact information to sales@threeharboursbeef.co.uk stating Walks Interest. Thank you.