A fabulous farm tour for Marque members

We enjoyed a tour of a commoning farm and sampled delicious canapes for our latest member networking event.

Hosted by Sarah and Andrew Parry-Norton, the evening started with a walk to the open Forest to learn about the history of commoning and the Northern Commons.

We also toured Storm’s Farm, meeting the animals including the farm’s newest member, a young foal named Storm’s Farm Jubilee. We also saw how the couple have rebuilt their barn following a devastating fire at the Cadnam farm earlier this year.

Marque members Sarah and Andrew run The Commoner’s Larder from Storm’s Farm, offering produce including beef, pork, eggs and Sunday roast boxes. They turn out cattle and sheep to graze the Forest during the summer months, and in autumn release pigs into the woods to hoover up the acorns and beech mast, in a practice called pannage.

Members were treated to refreshments from The Trough, a mobile bar and catering business run from a wonderful, converted horse box. We enjoyed ice-cold elderflower fizz and amazing canapes including blue cheese and fruit chutney, caprese skewers and New Forest Smokery trout and horseradish pate.

Beautiful artwork from New Forest artist Sandra Binney was also on display.

Learn more about joining our network of New Forest businesses.