Say hello to our new arrivals

I feel it’s only right that this week’s post begins with a bit of appreciation for the fine British weather, hasn't it been glorious? All the animals up here at Tregongeeves have been very glad to enjoy a spot of sunbathing, however for a few it is a long awaited experience.

We’ve recently welcomed a few new additions to our farm in the form of 18 chickens that were very much in need of some TLC. Sadly, these chickens had spent their lives in cages in a battery farm; can you imagine never seeing the great outdoors? Don’t worry though, thanks to the British Hen Welfare Trust we were able to give them a new home right here at Tregongeeves.

In just under two weeks they’ve settled right in with the other chickens and are even ruling the show a little bit! It’s so lovely to see them stomping around the field knowing that grass is a totally new experience and although they don’t look 100% yet, they’re well on their way.

Keep checking our Tregongeeves news to find out how these chickens are getting on in their new walk of life.

A few more new arrivals!

Hello there,

Jemina and her friends!

I am back after a lovely week away.  We visited the Appleby Horse Fair with our two friends, it really was very interesting with so much to look at and so many interesting people.  We managed to squeeze in some wonderful walks in around Hawkshead.  I am glad to get back though to the hustle and bustle of Tregongeeves.


Whilst I was gone we had a devastating fox attack down at River Valley, he took all the chickens and two ducks.  So Heidi & Alison are on the offensive, making the run more secure and tidying it up.  In the meantime they have acquired a duckling (Jemina) and 6 chicks of various varieties.  They are up in the Tregongeeves stables, so take a look at them if your visiting, they are so adorable.


The summer season brings Cornwall to life with so many events and activtites on.  In the coming weeks we have guests staying with us who are visiting the Eden Project Sessions - various musicians are playing throughout July in their outdoor stage.  Talking of musicians Alison, Charmaine and I visited Cardiff this week to watch Take That in concert - what a show, we had a super time.


I also noticed the programme for the Minack Theatre this week, it looks like they are some greats shows being performed this summer - and all at a cheap price, tickets are usually around £9.  The Minack is an outdoor theatre on the edge of the cliffs - the stunning location means it creates a wonderful atmosphere.


Off to catch up on bits and pieces now!

Enjoy this weather on a beach!

With Judith on a well deserved break this week in Windermere, Richard and I have been appointed as the official blog writer, animal looker-afterer, and house sitters! 

This week has not been a good one on the animal front.  At River Valley we have something preying on our poor chickens and ducks.  This week we have lost six chickens and one of our new ducks – Tafty, the pretty little female.  The animals are being kept in their pen for a few days to try and put the suspect fox off them.

On a happier note the chicks at Tregongeeves are growing up very fast.  We should soon be able to work out how many cockerels and how many hens we have.  Judith has had some helpers this week; with children from Gallery helping collect eggs, and feed Splodge his favourite food…black bananas!

With this glorious sunshine it is a great excuse to hit the beach.  From River Valley, you can hire bikes and head down to Pentewan, a beautiful little village with a pub who’s beer garden is over looking the old harbour.

Or you could try Porthpean, a great sandy family beach, with parking, a small shop and at low tide there are lots of little rock pools to explore. 

Whatever you are up to, we hope you are enjoying this great weather

Heidi & Richard

Lovely long Bank Holiday weekend

We are busy here both at Tregongeeves and River Valley Holiday Park over the Bank Holiday weekend.  On Monday we are playing host to the St Austell Rotary Club Duck Race.  We have been hosting the sponsored duck race for a number of years now, and hope this year we will get sunshine to enjoy the day.  If you fancy coming to the race it starts from River Valley Holiday Park, it should be a great laugh for all the family.

The weekly update on animals is fairly quiet at the moment.  The chicks are all growing up and I have another hen sitting on eggs – this time it is Pekins – they are such pretty little things with their feathery feet.  If they all hatch Alison and Heidi will be looking after them in the new chicken run they are building down at River Valley – although I don’t want to start counting my chickens before they hatch!



With the long weekend ahead and the hope of some sunshine thoughts turn to things to do this weekend.  I can highly recommend Fowey.  A quintessential Cornish fishing town, it has tiny streets jam-packed with super shops – ideal for window shopping or treating yourself!

Fowey is also home to some wonderful places to eat.  Sam’s is one of our favourites, renown for their burgers, but also offering freshly caught fish.  You can’t book, so we advise to go early, but even if you have to wait there is plenty of good spots to people watch.  One of my favourites is the 'Surf and Turf' – steak with half a lobster and prawns…I am getting hungry just thinking about it!

Walking around Fowey in the evening, the little streets seem to hold in the smell of cooking, you really are spoilt for choice. Fowey caters for all tastes, whether it is a bag of fish and chips over looking the river (we recommend a place just near the RNLI shop, it has a small little sitting area, with an open front so you can shelter if raining), there is a new Italian down in the square – we have yet to try this, but it looks and smells wonderful, or there are a number of hidden cafes, waiting to be tried and tested, including Pinky Murphy’s – a bohemian mixture of styles and tastes.

Wishing you a lovely Bank Holiday.

The chicks have hatched!

Golly, I just don’t know where the time goes!

Another busy time for us, which is always nice as it means there are lots of people around the cottages and the camp site.  Last week a youngest learnt to ride his bike down at River Valley, brings a smile to my face!

We had great excitement here this week when 8 of my eggs hatched.  So far so good, hen and chicks are all doing well. This weekend the hatching of the blue eggs is eagerly anticipated.  I have posted some pictures on our Facebook page of the new arrivals.

Talking of which, I am pleased to say we are now on Facebook.  It is not something I use much but Alison, Paddy, Richard and Heidi are updating the pages with information about things to do and pictures out and about so do have a look.  Apparently if you ‘like’ our page you will get updates on what we are doing…all a bit beyond me but give it a go!

With such lovely weather down here (after a few showers in the weeks) I shall be popping out and about in the next few days.  I hope to visit the Lost Garden of Heligan this weekend, the plants are truly amazing this time of year, in fact I think this my favourite time to visit.

Afterwards I share be popping into Lobbs Farm Shop.  Owned and run by the Lobb Family it has a huge selection of local meat and vegetables…I might even rustle up a roast depending on the weather!

I must also recommend to you the wonderful Trewithen Restaurant in Lostwithiel.  Lostwithiel itself is worth a visit for it’s large selection of antique shops.  But the Trewithen is worth a visit if you like quality food in a homely environment.  Claire and her husband make you feel at ease, serving fabulous food.  We were there a few weekends ago for John’s birthday-I won’t say how old he was- let’s just say it was a ‘milestone’!

Off to count my chicks now.

Bye for now
Judith