Activities

We provide a relaxed and supportive learning environment.

Farm Animal Care

A variety of animals live at the farm. When you are here you can help us feed, clean, groom and keep the animals happy and healthy. On the farm there are guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, pigs, ponies, donkeys and sheep as well as chickens, ducks and peacocks.

Our animals meet a lot of different people and are used to interacting with us so you can have a very hands on experience from collecting eggs to milking, feeding and grooming.

Houghton also works alongside Vets for Pets in Hereford rehabilitating injured or poorly hedgehogs then releasing them back into the wild.

Grow Your own Food and Gardening

Houghton has a well developed garden and orchards. You can learn how to grow and cultivate flowers, fruit and vegetables. In the garden you can get involved in composting, designing beds, planting and growing your own vegetables and taking them home to cook. With our poly tunnels, greenhouse and experienced gardeners you will learn how to look after plants from seed to harvest. The garden provides a great social space in which to learn, relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Woodwork

Houghton has a fantastic wood workshop with a full range of woodworking tools where our experienced carpenters teach and support you to use a variety of tools safely so you can design and make beautiful things with wood. Much of the timber we use comes from our own woods and projects can vary from bird boxes, chopping boards to whatever your imagination comes up with. We also do furniture restoration and bespoke projects.

Outdoor Cookery

We have well equipped outdoor cooking spaces, including pizza ovens in the garden and down in the woods. You can learn new cooking methods and recipes and even grow the food in the garden to use in your cookery.

Working in the Woodland

In our native woodland there is a small camp where you can do various activities or just enjoy the peace and tranquility. Here you can learn about the woodland wildlife and the importance of natural habitats as well as opportunities to learn how to cook outdoors, learn bushcraft skills and get close to nature.

Houghton is proud to be working with The Vincent Wildlife Trust on the Martens on the Move initiative. Our role is building Pine Marten nesting boxes and feeding boxes for them. We even have a nesting box tucked away in a quiet part of our woodland.

Arts and Crafts

Houghton is a very creative place and with our newly developed Artshop space we have a dedicated, well equipped studio space where people can create all sorts of art. Drawing, painting, working with textiles , clay, pottery and ceramics are all very popular.

Apple Juice, Perry and Cider Making

Making apple juice, cider and perry has been a local tradition in Herefordshire for centuries. Houghton is part of that tradition so if you want to learn about orchard care and making something tasty Houghton can help. We have onsite orchards planted with 300 local variety apples and pear trees. From planting, tree care, harvesting to bottling you can get involved.