It’s a crisp spring morning at Crooked Pines Farm, and the arrival of a new generation of wooly friends marks the start of one of our most celebrated seasonal events – the annual Spring Lambing Festival. As the sun peaks through the pines, our flock of heritage Soay sheep eagerly greets the day, some with tiny, spindly-legged lambs by their sides. This is a cherished time on the farm, a chance for our community to gather, learn, and delight in the wonder of new life.
Seasons and Celebrations
At Crooked Pines, we revel in the cyclical rhythms of the year, embracing each season’s unique gifts. Spring ushers in a burst of renewal, as vibrant wildflowers carpet the forest floor and the once-barren pastures explode with lush, emerald grass. The air hums with the industrious buzz of pollinators like bees and butterflies, who flit from blossom to blossom. This time of year also brings the pitter-patter of tiny hooves, as our heritage Soay ewes give birth to their lambs.
Summer transforms the landscape into a verdant oasis. The garden overflows with an abundance of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, just waiting to be plucked and savored. Customers from near and far flock to our on-farm stand, eager to stock up on the season’s bounty. Meanwhile, the lambs frolic playfully, their fleece growing thicker with each passing day.
As autumn paints the trees in a vibrant tapestry of oranges, reds, and golds, we shift our focus to preparing for the colder months ahead. The last of the garden’s bounty is carefully preserved through canning, fermentation, and freezing, ensuring a taste of summer all year round. Our sheep are expertly shorn, and their warm, wooly coats are sent off to be spun into beautiful, heirloom-quality blankets.
Winter may bring a deep freeze, but it also ushers in a time of rest and reflection. With the fields blanketed in snow, we turn our attention inward, tending to the needs of our livestock and planning for the year ahead. The cozy glow of the wood stove warms our home as we savor hearty, farm-to-table meals and gather with loved ones.
Livestock and Agriculture
At the heart of Crooked Pines Farm are our heritage Soay sheep, a rare and ancient breed that has captured our hearts. These gentle, self-sufficient animals are the centerpiece of our Spring Lambing Festival, as we welcome each new lamb into the world with great excitement. Lambing is a delicate process, and our knowledgeable shepherds are on hand to provide guidance and support, should any of the ewes or their young require assistance.
Throughout the year, we carefully manage our pastures to ensure our flock has access to nutrient-rich forage. Using rotational grazing techniques, we move the sheep to fresh paddocks regularly, allowing the land to regenerate and thrive. This not only benefits the health of our animals but also contributes to the overall ecological balance of the farm.
In addition to our sheep, Crooked Pines is home to a vibrant flock of laying hens. These industrious birds provide us with a bounty of farm-fresh eggs, which are featured in many of our delectable farm-to-table recipes. From rich, golden-yolked omelets to decadent custards and quiches, our chickens are integral to the nourishment of our community.
Community Engagement
The Spring Lambing Festival is a much-anticipated event at Crooked Pines, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the magic of new life on the farm. In partnership with our friends at the Acorn Moon Mercantile, we offer a range of engaging activities for all ages, including hands-on demonstrations, nature trails, and craft workshops.
Children delight in meeting the newborn lambs up close, learning about their care and feeding. Our expert shepherds guide tours, sharing insights into the breed characteristics and management practices that make Soay sheep so well-suited to our environment. Budding artists can try their hand at wool felting, creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind creations to take home.
For those seeking a more contemplative experience, our nature trails wind through the serene forest, inviting visitors to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world. Along the way, they may spot a variety of native wildlife, from industrious beavers to majestic bald eagles. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
As the day draws to a close, guests are invited to gather around the fire pit, where they can enjoy farm-fresh culinary delights and live music. The aroma of sizzling lamb burgers and bubbling fruit cobblers fills the air, a true celebration of the season’s bounty. It’s a time to connect, share stories, and revel in the joys of farm life.
Environmental Stewardship
At Crooked Pines, we are committed to sustainable farming practices that honor the delicate balance of our local ecosystem. Our pasture-raised livestock, organic gardening methods, and renewable energy initiatives all contribute to our mission of environmental stewardship.
The health and wellbeing of our land is of the utmost importance, and we work diligently to preserve and restore natural habitats. Through thoughtful land management and strategic conservation efforts, we strive to create a thriving, biodiverse landscape that supports a wide range of plant and animal species.
Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or a curious newcomer, the Spring Lambing Festival at Crooked Pines Farm is an invitation to immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural life. Join us as we celebrate the arrival of new life, cherish the bounty of the season, and deepen our connection to the natural world.
We look forward to welcoming you soon. For more information about our farm events and educational opportunities, please visit www.crookedpinesfarm.com.
