The Centre and gardens are usually open on Tuesdays and Fridays and on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month except for Xmas, New Year’s Day and when there is a special event taking place.
Access is through the courtyard entrance of the orchard gate via the walled garden. Feel free to wander around the gardens and visit the Centre. If you have any questions then Members will be pleased to try and answer them.
Sundays: (1st & 3rd) open from:
10:30am to 4:30pm (April – September)
10:30am to 3:30pm (October – March)
Tuesdays & Fridays: open from 11:00 to 2pm.
Mind the gate!
The gate to the Orchards is always kept closed. This is simply to make sure that our sheep are not able to wander off.
Please do not let this put you off: come in, have a look and a chat (but please close the gate behind you).
Don’t feed the animals
Please don’t offer any food to our sheep and other animals. The wrong items could cause illness or even death. Also our sheep might be on a special diet for veterinary reasons so even a seemingly innocent offering like an apple could cause problems.
Volunteers and work days
Open days are also work days. Volunteers are always welcome to help tend and develop the Centre.
Dogs
Our sheep are nervous of even the best behaved dog and we therefore regret that we are not able to admit dogs to the Centre or Orchard. This includes the Picnic Area.
It may, however, be possible to make an accommodation for Guide/Hearing Dogs. In this case please contact the Warden prior to your visit.
Farmers and Shepherds
If you work or have had recent contact with sheep at a farm or some place other than Heathfield then please contact the Warden BEFORE visiting the Centre. This is just a precaution against ovine disease.