Pony poo paper, hedgehog chutney and snowmen on sale at Sir Francis’ old home this weekend

Buckland Abbey, ordinarily associated with Privateer Sir Francis Drake, will be offering up a different kind of treasure this November.

The annual Craft Fair returns to the National Trust property near Yelverton on 16 and 17 November between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

With over 40 stalls selling everything from art, jewelry, pottery and local food, this event is still phenomenally popular even after two decades.

Event organizer Laura Thompson says: “People tell us it’s a key shopping date in their calendar, which is great. I think they prefer the relaxed atmosphere and knowing they’ll pick up something beautifully-made by someone local.”

Amongst the usual offering of crafts and cakes are some less-traditional items. Pony Poo Paper will be selling their environmentally friendly products such as recycled Forest Stewardship Council approved paper made from ‘sustainable sources’.

Visitors to their stall will be able to pick up their truly unique Christmas card and gift stationery sets.

One enterprising couple, Malcom and Jo from Lifton, not only produce handmade jams, marmalades, chutneys and savoury jellies they also rescue, recuperate and release hedgehogs into their garden.

Hogs Bottom Garden Delights use the finest quality ingredients, no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, and only produce in small batches to really boost the flavour of their products.

Devonly Crafts is the brainchild of Lynda Whitefield who says she can’t hand stitch her attractive felt and ribbon Christmas decorations fast enough.

“Preparations began in February; and after spending the summer stitching snowmen in my garden, it’s so exciting to think that this Christmas they’ll be hanging up all over Devon, and beyond.”

Lynda adds: I’ve attended the fair in previous years as a visitor and have been amazed by the variety of different items for sale”.

The Oxyard restaurant and kiosk will be open and there will be cakes, pies, mulled wine, a hog roast and barbecue. Catering staff have also been busy making the first batches of the hundreds of mince pies that will be sold over the festive season.

Supervisor Richard Burrow has been taste testing them on the property’s volunteers in advance of their sale to the public. “We’ve gone for a snowflake design this year – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them.”

Admission to the property is £1 on 16 and 17 November, including National Trust members; under 16s are free. Parking is on grass so sturdy footwear is strongly advised.