September was a mixed bag of much needed downpours and more beautiful sunshine. Perfect conditions for our pumpkin patch, but more about that shortly.
Experiencing the site and its surroundings change through the seasons is always a joy and this month we had to say goodbye to our Sunflowers. Well past their best, the 1-acre patch has been mown, but in doing so we have provided the perfect feeding spot for every bird in Shropshire. Many visitors have shared their photos and memories with us from the Sunflower field, and we’re so grateful for that. This attraction will return next Spring.
Indoors we have been busy adding some exciting new products to the shop including our butchery Oven Ready Range. The Chicken, Cheddar & Onion Chutney Wellington is particularly popular. Put next to some of our homemade sides and accompaniments, this will hopefully take the decision making away from what to take home for a meal. Two more products that we are very excited about is our locally grown Lions Mane and Oyster mushrooms. Delivered straight from our neighbours, The Isle Estate, these mushrooms are proving very popular.
Next door in the cafe we have launched our latest seasonal menu. The Autumn menu is always a brief one as Winter soon draws in, however this is not to be missed. New additions including; Slow Roasted Shoulder of Lamb and Roasted Cauliflower, Sweet Potato & Coconut Curry are well worth a try.
Back outside, The Battlefield Bird of Prey Centre continues to fascinate visitors, and our Falconer Lisa is only too happy to show you around. More details can be found at bbopc.co.uk so please do take a look and drop in to say hello soon.
Back to the Pumpkins, and our Pick Your Own field is open and free to enter! I’m delighted with this crop – a stunning array of Harvest Moon, Turks Turban, Yellow Crook Neck, Tractor Squash, Crown Prince, and Snowball pumpkins can be found in the field behind the shop. To accompany a pumpkin pick or just a photo opportunity, we have reopened our Tack Room takeaway kiosk for weekends up to and including 25th and 26th. From then it is open throughout the half term week. Hot drinks and warmed brownies are just two of the Tack Room items on offer. With these on board you might be ready to walk the nature trail/Battlefield Walk too!
Thank you all for of your continuing support, for visiting, for sharing your stories and photos. The mix of food and leisure with a backdrop of History and Heritage is a hallmark of what makes Battlefield special.
