History

The history of Mundon Hall Farm is a long one, and it's oldest feature is the petrified oak forest that grows within it's boundary. The oak forest in Mundon is first mentioned in the Domesday book. Later, the oaks narrowly missed being cut down for use as masts when a fleet was built to sail against the Spanish Armada. The trees were rejected for their twisted trunks, which today draw admiring glances from many ramblers. The oaks are home to numerous wildlife, including owls, and in their roots, rabbits and foxes.
The farm itself is a classical Victorian Farmhouse. Outside, a pond is fed by rainwater, and is the home of carp, tench and rudd.

The house is built on the site of an old monastery, and today, the 14th century church, St Mary Mundon, still stands. It is currently closed due to renovations by the National Heritage Trust.

The barn was built during the Second World War by German Prisoners of War, and has survived 60 years of 'bracing' British weather.

Local Area

There is plenty to do and see in Mundon, despite it's small size. Around the farm, ramblers will appreciate the famous "St Peter's Way" footpath. Following this path, one eventually comes to the salt marsh along the East Anglia coast, boasting a fantastic view of Maldon Harbour and Bradwell Power Station. Mundon Wood also provides an exciting walk.

Nearby, Maldon town is rapidly becoming a trendy place to be seen, with many bistros and bars. Why not pop into Maldon Deli and try some of our goats' cheese in a scrumptious bagel

The Springstep Team

Who will you meet at Mundon Hall Farm?

Springstep dairy is a family business run by Bob Kirk. A former point-too-point racer, Bob has always enjoyed rearing and caring for animals. After taking a degree in Agricultural Studies, Bob began his life's work as a dairy farmer at Mundon Hall farm, following in the footsteps of his father, John Kirk. Bob has won many prizes for his pedigree Holsteins, and at Easter this year, he acted as a judge at the County Holstein Society competition.

Bob's in depth understanding of ruminant animals, gained from years of working with Holstein cows have stood him in good stead when the farm became a goat farm in 2002. Bob now manages a herd of 450 goats including 200 milkers. Recently, Bob appeared on BBC Radio Essex to talk about the decline of dairy farming in the UK.

Bob's wife and chief herdsperson is Sally Kirk. Sally's many achievements include an Art College education, and it is this artistic bent that has produced the trotting goat on our distinctive logo. A qualified Sports Massage Therapist, Sally has tended to the aches and pains of Maldon for over 10 years, as well as helping to run the farm. Sally is frequently seen at Farmers' Markets across East Essex. She too has appeared on BBC Radio Essex, and has spoken before the Women's Institute.

Herdsman Andrew McDonald has worked for Bob since the age of 14, and has years of farming experience. Andrew is a true animal lover, and a breeder of Welsh Springer Spaniels. His cheerful demeanour and mechanical abilities make him the ideal "Man about the Farm". Andrew also harvests much of the maize and grass that eventually becomes our goats' staple food.

Bob and Sally's son, John William Kirk ('John Wullie') is currently studying Osteopathy at the North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT). John spends a great part of his holidays at the farm and is a 'Jack of all Trades', whose talents extend from fixing the combine harvester to manning a stall at the Farmers' market. John is something of a marketing whizz, and recently collared 25 members of the Rambler's Association for an impromptu cheese tasting and farm tour! When not hard at work, John can be found distilling gallons of home-made rhubarb wine, or curled up with a book.

Our other Furry Friends!

	The left hand image shows Blanc and Teddy, two of our seven alpacas. Alpacas are camelids, and they are kept chiefly for their fleeces, though some countries use them as pack animals. They are extremely haughty, and will not consider being handled once they have reached adulthood.
	The last of our prize-winning Holsteins, grazing in the field of the petrified oak forest.
	Gale is 14 years old, but she still likes nothing better than getting out and rounding up the goats.