Join us for lunch and a fascinating tour at Montague Farm, as part of our Sussex Branch AGM and social event 2024.

Montague Farm is located on the edge of the Pevensey Levels, with sea views across the habitat rich grassland to the sea. Over 70 years, the farm has been transformed from a derelict site into a thriving 700 acre organic mixed farm buzzing with wildlife. Our kind hosts, Martin and Gundrada Hole, continue the work started by Gundrada’s father John Glessing in 1942 and are now supported by their three daughters.

Livestock at Montague Farm includes a flock of Romney Ewes and a herd of cross bred cows alongside the start of a pedigree Sussex herd, all benefiting from grazing on the rich grassland and flat wetlands of the Pevensey Levels.

Nature conservation lies at the heart of the Montague farm business. Montague Farm forms part of the Pevensey farmers group, a cluster of over 50 members spanning 5000 hectares. The cluster priorities continue to support over 216 bird species that have been recorded across the farm, including Snipe, Lapwing, Teal, Turtledove, Redshank and Shoveler. Insect species abound with the rare Fen Raft spider and diverse plant species are found both in the wetlands and in the grassland including green winged orchids.

The 18th century complex of homes, courtyards and barns remains the heart of the farm, still used
predominantly for livestock, the business has also diversified into corporate events and weddings, hosts for the East Sussex Pony club and glamping.

PROGRAMME
09:30 Registration and refreshments
10:00 Sussex Branch AGM
10:15 Update from CLA Officer
10:40 Introduction to Montague Farm
11:40 Walking tour of Montague Farm
13:00 Drinks Reception
13.30 Lunch
14.30 Depart