Enjoy rare glimpse into Estate Life past and present at Parham this autumn

Set in the heart of its own ancient deer-park, whose herd was first recorded in 1628, Parham is the perfect location for this especially themed event looking at the countryside in the autumn. The event recognises that the household at Parham would once have been self-sufficient from produce grown and reared on the estate and aims to give its visitors a rare glimpse into Estate Life past and present.

With the park designated as a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” and with the award-winning four-acre Walled Garden, the event features displays, information and demonstrations about local produce, foraging in the countryside and the range of activities involved in running Parham Estate.

As this is also the height of the deer “rutting” season, there will be guided walks in the Park to try to spot some of the magnificent stags. Visitors can also be guided in the art of foraging for wild mushrooms around the grounds to identify and use these magnificent fungi.

Visitors will be able to taste and buy seasonal and locally produced game & meats, garlic, bread, honey, cheese, as well as fresh vegetable soup made with ingredients from Parham’s own home grown produce.

The local Brinsbury College will be providing leaflets and information about different apple varieties and visitors will be able to taste them too. On the drinks front, Ballards Brewery and Homegrown Hunnys will be selling their draught bottle ales and local cider.

A display of Parham equipment will be available for visitors to see, not usually seen by the visitors, this offers an insight into current and historical activities at Parham. Historical machinery from the Parham farms, stables, the old Estate Fire Brigade will be on show, as well as a unique exhibition in the house.

There will be a variety of demonstrations and talks, including a rare opportunity to see the interior of the Parham Dovecote and Ice House, recently restored, these buildings were an integral part of providing food for the household and it’s guests.

Sarah Beard will be explaining the uses of medicinal herbs. On the animal front, Jackie Drakeford will be showing her ferrets and ferreting equipment.

In the Pleasure Grounds next to the house, The South Downs Gundog Display Team will give demonstrations with working gundogs, simulating a day in the shooting field.

There will also be a bale scurry - so bring your own dog and ‘have a go’. Huxley’s Birds of Prey will also be flying their birds with traditional Tudor-costumed hawkers.

Lastly, Parham’s own gardeners together with Storrington Allotment Society will be on hand with fruit and vegetable displays, ready to give advice about growing.