Faces around the Farm
THE COWS – HIGHLAND CATTLE
On the farm we have 4 young highland heifers (girls). These are one of Britain’s oldest most distinctive and best-known breeds with their shaggy hair and wide horns.
We don’t advise people go in the field with them as they think everyone has food for them, and can be a bit pushy/playful but are still very friendly. They will be fenced off so you can still access the entire farm.
THE SHEEP
Wiltshire Horns – our flock of Wiltshire Horn ewes lamb once a year in March/April, which is one of our farming calendar highlights. Wiltshire Horns are a self-shedding haired breed that do not require sheering. They litter the fields with hair in the spring, which you may notice the birds picking up as nesting material.
Soays – Soays are unlike any other sheep, being a primitive breed. They are thought to be closely related to the wild Mouflon. Here we use them as conservation grazers, being content in woodland and on hillsides.
North Ronaldsays – we have a pair of very friendly North Ronaldsay sheep – Shaun and Betsie, who are a good companion for our pony Topsy. These are another primitive breed and very hardy originating from the northernmost of the Orkney Islands.
THE CHICKENS
We have a mix of chicken breeds all laying different coloured eggs (Brown, White and Blue). We have Burford Browns (large dark brown eggs), White Leghorns (large paper white eggs), Legbarrs (small pail blue eggs) and Copper Morans (large light brown eggs).
TILLY
Tilly is a black and white springer spaniel and is now 9 years old. Tilly is the official yurt campsite dog – she is besotted with children and tries to spend every waking hour down the yurt site, helping guests to build dams in the stream. We try not to let Tilly down to the campsite until after you’ve finished your breakfast (she is the most appalling sausage thief) however it’s a battle of wills and sometimes she escapes.
