Cobble Hey Farm and Gardens
 Contact
Details:
Cobble Hey Farm and Gardens
Off Hobbs Lane
Claughton on Brock
Garstang
Nr Preston
PR3 0QN
Tel. 01995 602643
website: www.cobblehey.co.uk
Click here
for map.
Hidden away near Garstang, in rural Claughton,
is Cobble Hey.
In just eight years, this working farm has become
the setting for a beautiful country garden. What was once an area
for grazing sheep is now bursting with colour and life.
This large, tranquil garden contains a wide range
of natural environments including a cottage garden, woodland, ponds
and streams, rockeries and lawns. Sit on the patio and enjoy the
peace of the afternoon, or walk through the orchard full of summer
fruits; visit the formal parterre with its box and yew hedges or
just take in the magnificent views.
The gardens boast a wide selection of rare and
unusual, herbaceous perennials for sale, all originally grown and
propagated from the garden stock. As they are cultivated at 600ft
above sea level, they are especially hardy and of a high quality.
Cobble Hey specialises in phlox paniculata and is in the process
of attaining National Collection status. It is also in the process
of taking over the National Collection of geraniums from the nearby
Catforth Gardens so the range is growing all the time.
 As
it has been a working farm for many years, it is very important
for Cobble Hey to keep a rural, preserved farming area. Therefore,
it maintains a very strong policy on conservation and the environment.
The farm has been a haven for wildlife for many years and by building
up links with the RSPB,
it has been able to preserve this wildlife to a much greater effect.
Habitats of lapwings, curlews, oyster catchers and red shanks are
being protected and monitored, in an attempt to enhance the local
population of these beautiful, farmland birds. Plus, in order to
provide visitors with an insight into this species, the owners have
created a lapwing walk in partnership with the RSPB and the Countryside
Rangers. This allows guests to view these spectacular birds in their
natural environment.
In addition to birdlife, visitors can also take
time to look at some of the rare breed animals that reside on the
farm. Beside the traditional beef breeds - such as Charolais, Hereford,
Aberdeen Angus and South Devon - there are a number of rare breeds
which help with the land management for wildlife. These include
Highland, Longhorn and Beef Shorthorn.
Farming at over 600 feet above sea level, sheep
farming is the main source of income at Cobble Hey. It has traditionally
used Dalesbred ewes and crossed them with Teeswaters to breed Masham
lambs suitable for both breeding stock and the fat market. However
a wide range of other breeds are now available for the public to
view first hand in the newly developed animal pens. These are designed
to give everyone a small taste of the diversity of the different
breeds of sheep around the country. These rare breeds include Jacob,
Wensleydale, Shetland, Manx Loghtan, Texel, Southdown, Zwartbles,
Herdwicks and Ryeland.
 Cobble
Hey now has a purpose-built dining area, where visitors can enjoy
their food in the comfort of a spacious tearoom. There is also plenty
of outdoor seating so guests can relax and enjoy their refreshments,
along with the spectacular views. The tea room can cater for all
appetites - from a full meal of freshly made soup and sandwiches,
topped off by a delicious home-made dessert, or just a mug of coffee
and a biscuit or two.
As an additional attraction, Cobble Hey has also
recently installed a new playground for younger visitors.
As well as opening every weekend from Easter until
the end of September, Cobble Hay and also organises special events,
which are held in conjunction with a number of local groups. These
typically include themed walks, rural skills courses and practical
demonstrations. Cobble Hey is also available for corporate functions.
Further details can be found on the Cobble
Hey website.
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