A New Year at Lower Campscott Farm: Preparing for Family Farm Holidays in 2026
The start of a new year is a natural point for reflection at Lower Campscott Farm. Winter is a quieter time here, but it is also when much of the preparation for the year ahead takes place. While fields rest and days are shorter, work continues at a steady pace, focused on animal care, practical improvements, and planning for a packed season of family farm holidays.
As we move into 2026, we wanted to share a glimpse of what winter has looked like on the farm, from improvements made for our hens to the arrival of new animals.
Winter Improvements: A New Walk-In Enclosure for the Hens
One of our main winter projects has been building a walk-in enclosure for our hens, designed specifically to help them through the colder, wetter months. While chickens are resilient, winter conditions can be challenging, particularly when the ground becomes waterlogged and daylight hours are limited.
The new enclosure provides shelter from wind and rain, while still giving the hens room to move, scratch, and behave naturally. From a practical point of view, it also allows us to care for them more efficiently during winter, keeping bedding dry and monitoring their health more closely – and of course easy access to lots of fresh eggs!
For families staying at Lower Campscott Farm, this kind of improvement matters. It means animals are well cared for year-round, and it allows children and adults alike to see farming as it really is: thoughtful, ongoing work rather than something that switches off once summer ends.
Welcoming New Arrivals: Piglets and a Calf
Despite the quieter feel of winter, it has been a season of new arrivals here on the farm. Over the New Year period, we welcomed four new piglets, who have already made their presence known with plenty of energy and curiosity.
Piglets grow quickly, and the early weeks are especially important. During winter, that means careful attention to warmth, feeding, and shelter. Watching them develop over the coming months will be part of the everyday life of the farm as we head into spring and summer.
Alongside the piglets, we have also welcomed a new calf. Calving is a calmer process, but no less significant. For the time being our new arrival and their Mother are sheltering safely in the barn away from the cold outdoor weather, but we’re looking forward to introducing them to their extended family so they can eat as much green grass as they want.
For families interested in farm life, these moments are often the most memorable. Seeing young animals at different stages of growth helps make sense of where food comes from and how farms function across the seasons, without needing formal explanation or staged activities.
What Winter Tells Us About the Year Ahead
A New Year on the farm is less about resolutions and more about preparation. Winter is when fences are checked, plans are reviewed, and small improvements are made that will shape the year ahead. These behind-the-scenes tasks rarely attract attention, but they make a real difference once visitors arrive.
For those considering family farm holidays, this kind of preparation is important. Our approach at Lower Campscott Farm is to let the farm speak for itself. Children are welcome to observe, ask questions, and engage at their own pace, while adults can enjoy being somewhere that feels purposeful without being demanding.
Looking Ahead to Family Farm Holidays in 2026
As we look forward to 2026, we do so with confidence that the farm is in a good place. Animals are thriving, infrastructure has been improved, and the land has been well cared for through the winter months.
For families planning time away, a stay here offers something increasingly rare: the chance to slow down and spend time in a real, working rural environment. There is no schedule to follow (besides the morning animal feeding!), no entertainment programme to keep up with, just the natural rhythm of the farm.
Family farm holidays at Lower Campscott Farm are about shared experiences rather than distractions. Whether that’s getting out and exploring North Devon or simply enjoying evenings that are quieter than usual, these are the things many families tell us they value most.
Planning a Rural Escape for 2026
The New Year is a good moment to plan ahead, particularly for families who need certainty around school holidays and travel. Bookings for 2026 at Lower Campscott Farm are now open, and we recommend reserving early to secure your preferred dates. If you are keen on securing your spot that availability page has all of the information you need. Alternatively, keep an eye on our special offers page.
If you’re looking for a cosy farm stay that offers space, simplicity, and a genuine connection to rural life, we would be pleased to welcome you in the year ahead.
Book your 2026 stay at Lower Campscott Farm and experience a working farm at its best.