Welcome to Highfields Farmhouse!

We put these QR accessed pages up on all our fields where there are public rights of way. The idea is to give you an idea of what you could expect to see here and how to behave around farm animals.

Also, if you feel that you'd like to contact us about anything, please call or email using the information below

We are happy to have the public on our land and hope you enjoy seeing what we do - and are perhaps able to learn a bit about the farming life from our website. In order to protect the beautiful environment we so enjoy, we would greatly appreciate it if you could help us by taking note of the following points:

• Please close and fasten any gates behind you.

• Please pick up after your dog and take it away - did you know dogs are known carriers of the neospora parasite and their faeces can transmit it to cattle, sheep and horses. Neosporosis causes the animal to abort their offspring during pregnancy, still births or brain disease in the offspring. We would really appreciate your help in keeping our farm free of this disease.

• Please take your litter home with you - you are in one of the most beautiful places in the British Isles. Help us keep it that way!

We have recently taken on this land which is exciting for us for a number of reasons. Firstly because it always used to be part of our farm, before we moved into the farm so it is really great to be able to bring it back in. Secondly, because it presents a massive opportunity to promote biodiversity and wildlife. Thirdly because it allows us to continue our focus on native breeds, which are perfect for managing these upland habitats and we believe produce a superior end product.

The land is split into 6 parcels and the cattle are rotated around them to manage the grazing. Follow the links below to see more about each parcel of land:

• Oarystones
• Torr Tops
• Meer Field SSSI
• Haystacks Rough
• Haystacks
• Mather Close

This land is home to many species of ground nesting birds and animals such as lapwings, curlews, hares and many others. Therefore please be mindful of where you or your dogs are walking so as not to damage the area and keep your dogs close to you at all times.

If you want to know more on a day to day basis, follow us on Facebook and Instagram...

Our Cattle

We currently have a group of cows and calves grazing on the Highfields. They will be joined later in the summer by the bull (Geoff). The cattle are moved around the 6 individual parcels of land on a rotational basis.

The cattle are all native breeds - Herefords or Highlands.

They are all very placid and are used to people and dogs walking through the fields. However, they are, at the end of the day, mothers with young babies, so please don't attempt to walk through the middle of groups or too close to them. It will upset them and they cannot be blamed for becoming protective in these circumstances.

How to behave around cattle

Just because there are cattle in the field doesn't mean you can't walk through; however, there are just a few things to bear in mind. These points are provided for your advice and are taken from the NFU and Ramblers Association websites:

• Cattle are naturally inquisitive and will often come over to see what you are doing. This shouldn't be mistaken for aggressiveness. Move quickly and quietly through the field but be prepared for cattle to react to your presence.
• This being said they will be protective of their young. Therefore you should always avoid walking between cows and their calves
• Keep any dogs on a lead and close to you. However, if you start to feel threatened, let the dog go. The dog will get out of the way far easier than you can.
• Don't run. Cattle will normally stop before they reach you. If you feel threatened, head calmly for the nearest fence or wall.
• If cattle block your path, find an alternative way around them and return to the footpath when you can.