In a country where tourism ranks the highest in terms of contribution to the economy, Barbados benefits from approximately half a million visitors each year and the Peg Farm and Nature Reserve offers a unique mixture of glamorous camping and farm life to tourists.
Barbados’ most recent touristy event was held just over a month ago when glasses were clinking at their Food and Rum Festival and now, they are getting ready to celebrate again this weekend for the Run Barbados Marathon Series and Hennessey Artistry. While tourists arrive here for the sun and beaches, those with interest in nature, organic menus and agriculture head to Peg Farm and Nature Reserve.
Among selected media from the Caribbean and further afield, Stabroek News got the privilege of a firsthand experience through the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc with a visit to this biodynamic farm. We were welcomed by a barefooted Paul Bourne, owner of Peg Farm who gave us a tour of the nature reserve and farms.
Bourne founded Peg Farm six years ago in 2013. What led to the farm’s emergence was as result of him suffering back pains for a long time. After many years of search for a cure, he learnt that is was his poor eating habits along with a demanding work life that contributed to his pains. Knowing what he needed to do to improve his health, he went in search of a venture that supported his wellness and those looking for such a spiritual retreat.
Peg Farm spans a total of 100 acres of land. As enormous as it is, the 100 acres of leased land is less than one-third of a typical former sugar plantation on the island. When the sugar industry took a dive some years ago, sugar plantation owners were unsure of future investments in the estates and Paul took advantage of the opportunity. This tranquil retreat includes a farm, a cafe, school, camps, acres of fruits and vegetables and its very own mini forest. Situated among the slopes, the nature reserve overlooks the Caribbean Sea. The farm alone has a total of 3000 layers, 1000 pigs, one hundred head of cattle – said to belong to the Angus and Red Bull breeds – among hundreds of curious hens and roosters that coming running to visitors, crouching to be petted.
The hen houses are mobile and are moved to different spots every two days. In doing this the fowl are spared from sores to their feet. The presence of the poultry helps the pigs as the birds would eat worms in sight which in turn prevents the animals from getting infected with parasites and provides manure for the vegetable farms. “Not a pig in Barbados live like this”, Paul boasted. All the animals are provided acres of the farm to roam as they like. Trees provide them shade and boundaries are electrical fences. Revenue comes from several streams – the farm produces more than a 100 dozen eggs daily, the pigs raised for their meat are sold; facilities and equipment are rented to persons operating businesses in producing pork and plant-based operations. The Peg Farm Cafe also provides revenue and cooks fresh meat and plant produce grown on the farm; tours are offered to adults and school children and their camp sites are another means of income. Here on Peg Farm, more glamping (camping with amenities) is done than camping as their facility has rooms and updated furnishings. On average the nature reserve has fifty bookings a month for glamping.
All plants are organically grown; even while one eats, persons can be seen handpicking lettuce and celery for salads, it’s as fresh as fresh comes. Plants here are supplied to the supermarkets around including businesses like Massy.
The Beyond The Box Education School caters for children from ages 8-18. Bourne’s teenage son comes here. The school also has a department for children with autism. Paul is looking to open farm shops between the end of this year and mid next year where produce from the farm can be retailed.
If you’re ever in Barbados and looking for the perfect getaway, with the freshest foods, Peg Farm it is.
The farm and reserve is located at Easy Hall Plantation, Easy Hall, Barbados. Bookings can be made online.
