Cattle
We have chosen traditional breeds that are hardy and will survive happily on rough grazing. We have Aberdeen Angus a breed originating in Scotland, Hereford originating from England and Welsh Black, our native breed. The calves are hand-reared and they are very tame and friendly.

 

Sheep
We keep Suffolk sheep, known as black faced sheep, because they are large, docile and friendly. They are easy to handle and look after. The lambs grow quickly even in this upland region. The fleeces are very thick and soft and the meat is high quality. This breed began in Suffolk in the late 1700s. Suffolks are now found throughout the world. They are the flag-ship breed in the British Isles.

 

Llama
Our llama has a special role on our farm - he protects the newborn lambs from attack by foxes. He bonds with the sheep and the lambs and guards them very effectively by frightening the foxes away. He is always on the lookout and his long neck enables him to spot a fox from a distance.

 

Pigs
All our pigs are rare breeds. We keep Gloucester Old Spot. This breed originated on the banks of the River Severn. These pigs were used to eat the windfall apples in orchards. Gloucester Old Spot are large and docile, with big floppy ears. We also keep Iron Age pigs which are a cross between Tamworths and wild boar. They are extremely hardy and can live outdoors in all weathers. The sows are very good mothers. These pigs have long snouts and pointed ears and they are great diggers. The antics of all the piglets are delightful to watch.

 

Goats
We keep British Alpines (black and white goats) and British Toggenbergs (brown and white goats). The British Alpines are tall and rangy goats, they are good milkers but very naughty. They climb and stand on their hinds legs to reach the young leaves of the trees. The British Toggenbergs are stockier and not as naughty, but they are learning fast.

 

Poultry
We keep free range laying hens and bantams. We also have geese, Aylesbury ducks, Muscovy ducks and Indian Runner ducks and Roly-poly turkeys (at Christmas). We have a variety of chicks in the spring following their mother hens.

 

Horses
Molly is a very pretty chestnut mare with a flaxen mane and tail. She is an Irish draught x thoroughbred.  Molly gets lonely if she is on her own, so she has a variety of friends to stay.  Just now she has Suisi, a little chestnut mare, and Gabriella a pretty grey mare, to keep her company.