***Please note that Bramble Hill Farm is not a venue. We do not host or rent facilities or land for private events including weddings and photoshoots. Due to the volume of requests we receive for weddings and photoshoots in particular, we will not be able to respond to inquires for such events. While we didn't think we needed to say this, no response is not permission to show up anyway. Please respect the privacy of the families who live here.
Catching up on Bramble Hill Farm
Bramble Hill Farm is a 120-acre farm and conservation area. Our mission is to encourage and support organic, sustainable farming and learning through the natural world in any practical or creative expression. It is home to Old Friends Farm, a 25-acre organic vegetable and flower farm, The Open Field Foundation, and several households. It is both a working farm and private living space for families, and for years we have welcomed neighbors to walk here. As the years have gone on however, and especially because of COVID, news of a place to walk has spread widely. We love to see friendly faces around the farm but the increased number of visitors has started to interfere with the farm's work and impact ecologically sensitive habitat. As a result, we have decided that parking at the farm is closed until further notice and that those who walk into the farm respect the following guidelines:
Thank you for your understanding as we try to navigate this challenging time. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected].
Trail Updates:
After a wet and soggy year last year, we have resumed mowing the perimeter trail this season. The trail will be mowed on a bi-weekly basis (less during dry and slow growth periods) to minimize soil compaction and disturbance of important wildlife habitat. This means that the grass will be shaggy at times: we try to keep it six inches or shorter. If you are concerned about ticks, take precautions to protect yourself as outlined by UMass Extension. To minimize disturbance of especially sensitive habitat, some sections of the trail may be closed or re-routed at any given time but we will do our best to maintain the loop so that those who rely on passage through our farm by foot are still able to get to their destinations. Please use caution when walking the trails and use at your own risk. You can report issues and concerns about the trail or the farm in general by sending us an email at [email protected].
Catching up on Bramble Hill Farm
Bramble Hill Farm is a 120-acre farm and conservation area. Our mission is to encourage and support organic, sustainable farming and learning through the natural world in any practical or creative expression. It is home to Old Friends Farm, a 25-acre organic vegetable and flower farm, The Open Field Foundation, and several households. It is both a working farm and private living space for families, and for years we have welcomed neighbors to walk here. As the years have gone on however, and especially because of COVID, news of a place to walk has spread widely. We love to see friendly faces around the farm but the increased number of visitors has started to interfere with the farm's work and impact ecologically sensitive habitat. As a result, we have decided that parking at the farm is closed until further notice and that those who walk into the farm respect the following guidelines:
- Practice social distancing and wear a mask when that is not possible. Wearing a mask in the Farm Office is required.
- Leave no trace. This means picking up after your dogs and carrying out what you carry in including trash and food waste. Do not feed or leave food behind for wildlife.
- Walk on the main path and perimeter trail only.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times, no exceptions.
- Stay out of all buildings, the use of which are reserved for farm operations and personal use by residents. You may enter the Farm Office if needed but masks are required.
- Walk with awareness of farm vehicles, farm activity, and other walkers. Step aside to let farm vehicles pass.
- No foraging, gleaning, or taking produce from the farm. Remember that there are farmers working for their living here. If you are interested in purchasing vegetables or flowers, the Amherst Farmer's Market just down the road hosts a wide array of local farmers and vendors on Saturdays from April through November. More info can be found on the market's website: http://www.amherstfarmersmarket.com/
- No groups meetings at the farm. If you are interested in hosting educational programming at the farm please reach out to us first at [email protected].
- Please look at signs and read the Bramble Hill website each time you visit the property, as changes to access will be updated as needed.
- Protect yourself from ticks, mosquitoes and other insect-borne illness.
- Please remember this is a private place, not a public park. We are not equipped to manage a high volume of visitors.
Thank you for your understanding as we try to navigate this challenging time. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected].
Trail Updates:
After a wet and soggy year last year, we have resumed mowing the perimeter trail this season. The trail will be mowed on a bi-weekly basis (less during dry and slow growth periods) to minimize soil compaction and disturbance of important wildlife habitat. This means that the grass will be shaggy at times: we try to keep it six inches or shorter. If you are concerned about ticks, take precautions to protect yourself as outlined by UMass Extension. To minimize disturbance of especially sensitive habitat, some sections of the trail may be closed or re-routed at any given time but we will do our best to maintain the loop so that those who rely on passage through our farm by foot are still able to get to their destinations. Please use caution when walking the trails and use at your own risk. You can report issues and concerns about the trail or the farm in general by sending us an email at [email protected].
Bramble Hill Farm
Bramble Hill Farm provides living and working spaces for a range of people and projects that test innovative ways to build a sustainable, healthy, and creative farm-centered community that benefits the broader population. The 120 acre farm is located in Amherst, MA and is supported by the Open Field Foundation. Find us here. |
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