Coombe Farm News

The Old Cider Press and Threshing Barn

Last Updated on Friday, 11 June 2010 11:41

One of the barns here on the farm is an old threshing barn with massive doors either side so the wind could blow the winnowed chaff out the door leaving clean wheat behind. Then sometime in the eighteen hundreds a sophisticated twin screw cider press was installed. In those days agricultural labour was paid for largely in cider. Unfortunately parts of the barn's roof and walls were allowed to collapse in the early nineteen forties, The walls were constructed from cob, a mixture of stone, clay and straw which is an excellent building material but no use if allowed to get wet. And the roof was thatched from local straw.

Future projects to improve sustainability

Last Updated on Friday, 11 June 2010 11:43

If you want to be sustainable you can never stand still - there are always new improvements to be made - it's a bit like the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland.

Apple juice and cider - During the year we will also be investing in modern apple juice machinery - crusher, pumps, pasteuriser, bottle cleaner, training etc (we already have a modern manual apple press) so that come next autumn we can start production of both organic juice and cider. Apple juice requires much cleaner machinery than cider, whose fermentation process disposes of most of the germs, and whose wooden construction renders it impossible to clean to modern hygienic levels.

Global warming

Last Updated on Friday, 11 June 2010 11:51

Global warming has moved from being a possibility to being a near certainty. The effects of climate change are likely to become more and more apparent as the 21st century progresses and our response to this may well dictate the lifespan of the human race.

Why Coombe works

Last Updated on Friday, 11 June 2010 11:43

Coombe works because of the people involved, their separate expertise, points of view, ethics come together under the umbrella of Coombe. These people help shape Coombe and Coombe helps shape these people.

Large Group Holiday Let

Group accommodation up to 20 people
Prices starting from £1,300 weekends
Luxuries including pool, hot tub, open fires
Beautiful gardens, woodland, play areas

Further details >>

Eco Weddings

Residential Wedding Venue
Woodland Wedding - Special Oak Tree
Cider Barn Venue for ceremony & reception
Marriage licence for barn & farmhouse

Further details >>

Alternative Events Venue

Residential Events Venue for up to 20
Thatched Barn for workshops & seminars
Spacial grounds for Yoga & other activities
Self Catering or a cook provided

Further details >>

Tel: 01884 821176, Email: info@coombefarmwoods.co.uk | Coombe Farm Woodlands, Uplowman, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7QQ