South Ormsby Estate

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South Ormsby Estate

More recently, Jon has worked with - and invested in - the technology sector.

A haven for nature and rural commerce in the Lincolnshire Wolds, South Ormsby Estate blends heritage with sustainable farming, native breed cattle and careful stewardship of a remarkable landscape. Jon & Jan Thornes - Custodians of South Ormsby Estate

Jon Thornes MBE was brought up on a dairy farm and has spent all his working life in agriculture and related businesses. Having made South Ormsby H

all their home, Jon and Jan are keen walkers with a passion for the communities and landscapes of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB. They share a vision of rejuvenating the Hall and the wider Estate, and forging a bright future for local people, local enterprise and the beautiful local countryside.

30/08/2026

Bird of the Week: Siskin

This week we’re listening out for the Siskin, a small, lively finch often found in flocks, with streaked plumage and flashes of yellow in the wings and tail.

Their twittering, buzzy calls are often heard as they move through trees, particularly in areas with alder, birch and conifers where they feed on seeds.

Siskin numbers can vary from year to year, depending on food availability, with some winters bringing large movements across the country.

A fast-moving, sociable species that adds energy to the treetops.

📍 South Ormsby Estate
🎧 Recorded via BirdWeather

26/08/2026

Grab your buckets and gardening gloves! It's harvest time! 🍇

Would you like to join in the 2026 vineyard harvest?

We are seeking people to help with our grape harvest this year. Harvest should be taking place over the next few weeks, starting early to get the freshest of grapes out of our vineyard!

We will provide gloves, bucket and expert vine training from Farmer Paul.

If you can spare a couple of hours, we'd love to hear from you!

Please reach out to [email protected] with 'Vineyard Harvest Volunteer' as the subject - We look forward to seeing you soon! 🪣🍇

24/08/2026

Got a business idea? We’d love to hear it 🌱

We’ve seen some fantastic interest recently from people interested in starting or growing a business at South Ormsby Estate, so we thought it might be helpful to explain a little more about how our Business Ventures programme works.

South Ormsby is home to a growing community of independent businesses, and we’re always interested in hearing from passionate people with great ideas that could complement life here on the Estate.

Perhaps you have an agricultural idea you’ve always wanted to pursue. Maybe you’re looking for the right home for an established business. Or perhaps you have an idea that could make brilliant use of the land, buildings and opportunities found on a rural estate.

Whatever your idea, the first step is simple: talk directly to us.

Every prospective business at South Ormsby goes through our Business Ventures process with the Estate. This allows us to get to know you, understand your idea and explore what you might need to make it happen.

It’s also important because only South Ormsby Estate can confirm the availability or suitability of Estate land, buildings, residential accommodation and facilities.

You do not need to be introduced or referred by another business or individual to talk to us, and no third party is authorised to assess business proposals, offer Estate property or facilities, or approve businesses on our behalf.

Of course, collaboration is a big part of what makes a rural business community exciting. We love the idea of independent businesses working together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. But each business has its own direct relationship with South Ormsby Estate.

So, if you’ve got an idea bubbling away and think South Ormsby could be the place to bring it to life, come and talk to us. 🌱

We’d love to hear what you have in mind.

Learn more 👉 https://www.southormsbyestate.co.uk/enterprise/
Book a callback 👉 https://www.southormsbyestate.co.uk/callback/
Submit your application today 👉 https://www.southormsbyestate.co.uk/business-ventures-application/

23/08/2026

Bird of the Week: Black-tailed Godwit

This week we’re listening out for the Black-tailed Godwit, an elegant wader with long legs and a straight bill, often seen probing soft ground for insects and worms.

In flight, their bold black and white wing pattern and distinctive call make them easier to identify as they move between feeding and resting areas.

The UK plays an important role for this species, particularly during migration and winter, when large numbers gather on wetlands and estuaries.

A species that reflects the importance of protected and well-managed wetland habitats across the landscape.

📍 South Ormsby Estate
🎧 Recorded via BirdWeather

21/08/2026

🌿 Could you be our new Saturday Club Leader?

Every Saturday, a brilliant group of 13 to 17-year-olds joins us here at South Ormsby Estate to learn, get stuck in and experience life on the Estate.

We’re now looking for an enthusiastic new Saturday Club Leader to help guide, inspire and support the group each week.

We’re particularly keen to hear from someone with an educational background who enjoys working with young people and can bring plenty of enthusiasm, confidence and fresh ideas to Saturday mornings.

📅 Every Saturday
⏰ 9am to 1pm
📍 South Ormsby Estate, Lincolnshire

From learning new skills to exploring the countryside and discovering more about the different areas of the Estate, no two Saturdays are quite the same!

Interested in joining us? Please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Find out more about Saturday Club on our website.

20/08/2026

There’s never a quiet week at South Ormsby Estate!

The past few weeks have been particularly busy, with harvest underway, our wine getting closer to returning to the Estate in bottle form, new businesses joining us and plenty of celebrations and events taking place.

And we do love a good celebration! 🥂

We’ve had the pleasure of hosting a very special 90th birthday at the vineyard, complete with a Burrells gin tasting, alongside corporate events featuring laser clay pigeon shooting and even our Gun Bus making an appearance to transport guests around the Estate.

From relaxed celebrations amongst the vines to action-packed corporate days, we can curate a private event around you and your group.

With a wide selection of activities, beautiful locations across the Estate and plenty of ways to make your day a little different, no two events need to look the same.

Planning a big birthday, corporate away day or private gathering? We’d love to help you create something memorable. 🌿

📩 Get in touch at [email protected] to discover what we can offer.

We look forward to hosting your next big event at South Ormsby Estate.

18/08/2026

🏃SERIOUS RUNNERS WANTED: Fancy testing something a little different?

We’re exploring an idea for a Vineyard Half Marathon at South Ormsby Estate, and before we take it any further, we need some experienced runners to put it through its paces.

The challenge? A half marathon through our organic vineyard, tackling more than 75 rows, a seriously steep incline and tough, uneven terrain.

This isn’t one for your road-running trainers!

We’re looking for experienced runners who are confident running half-marathon distances off road to help us:

🍇 Test just how tough the challenge really is
🏃 Help us find the perfect route through the vineyard
⛰️ Take on the hills, rows and uneven terrain
📝 Give us honest feedback afterwards

You’ll be able to complete the run in your own time, but access must be arranged with the Estate beforehand. Get in touch with us and we’ll confirm available dates and times for you to take on the vineyard.

Proper off-road running equipment is a must.

Do you think you could conquer all 75+ rows? 📩 Send us a DM or email the Estate to register your interest.

And perhaps, with a little help from our first brave runners, the South Ormsby Vineyard Half Marathon could become a reality... 🍇🏅

16/08/2026

Bird of the Week: Cormorant

This week we’re listening out for the Cormorant, a large, dark waterbird often seen perched with wings outstretched, drying after a dive.

Unlike many waterbirds, Cormorants don’t have fully waterproof feathers, allowing them to dive more efficiently beneath the surface in pursuit of fish.

They are powerful swimmers, using their webbed feet to propel themselves underwater, often disappearing for extended periods before resurfacing.

A distinctive silhouette along water’s edge; still, watchful, and perfectly adapted to life between air and water.

📍 South Ormsby Estate
🎧 Recorded via BirdWeather

14/08/2026

🪶 GUESS THE FEATHER! 🪶

The team at The Farm School made an interesting discovery while out and about on the Estate... this rather impressive feather! 👀

Now they’re wondering whether you can work out who it belongs to?

Take a good look at the size, colour and markings. Do you recognise which feathered friend might have left this behind? 🐦🔍

The Farm School have their suspicions, but we want to hear yours first! 😉

Pop your best guess in the comments below 👇 and stay tuned for the big reveal.

Address

South Ormsby Estate, South Ormsby Hall, South Ormsby
Louth
LN118QS

Website

http://www.southormsbyestate.co.uk/

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