Native Breeds
on Grass
Small herds, raised slowly
Our pasture is grazed by a small herd of rare and native-breed cattle and a flock of heritage sheep, moved through the fields in short rotations.
Native breeds suit the Blackmore Vale. They are hardy, thrive on grass alone and finish slowly, which gives beef and lamb of real depth and flavour.
Cattle
We are building a herd of rare-breed cattle, kept outdoors on pasture and hay from our own meadows.
Sheep
A small flock of heritage sheep grazes the orchards and meadows, keeping the grass in check under the fruit trees.
Bees and hens
Hives sit at the edge of the wildflower meadows, and free-ranging hens work through the orchard grass.
Grass-fed,
meadow-reared
Rotational grazing rests each field in turn, so the sward recovers, roots go deeper and the soil holds more water through dry summers.
Hay is cut late, after the wildflowers have set seed.