Oarystones
Oarystones covers an area where the carboniferous limestone rock formations poke through the surface of the ground, creating an impressive display of rocky figures along the top of the hill. The thin layer of soil that covers the area and to some extent, the rocky figures, provides a perfect habitat for many wild flower species.
Orchids and mountain panises are particularly prevalent across this area throughout springtime.
Fantastic panoramic views are afforded from the top of Oarystones, enabling you to see right across large parts of the Hope Valley, from Bretton in the North right through Eyam, Curbar Edge and Down to Baslow Edge in the South East.
Livestock
We rotate the cattle around Highfields and try to keep this website as up to date as possible with which cattle we have on each piece of ground. Please don't attempt to get up close to the cattle. They are placid animals but will be upset by people they don't know approaching them.
The table below shows the cattle currently on Oarystones
Access
We encourage you to walk across Oarystones and take a little time exploring around the stones. The only thing we ask is that you are careful not to damage the delicate ecosystems in place.
There is a permissive right of way across Oarystones, travelling across onto Torr Tops and then down into the Combsdale SSSI valley (part of which we also manage). However, as long as you are mindful of ground nesting species (such as partridge, curlews, hares) and take care not to upset the cattle, we are happy that you explore the land. Just be sure to tag us when you share your photos so we can see what you have enjoyed (@highfieldsfarmhouse)
Wildlife
Keep your eyes open for wildlife both on the ground and in the air. There are numerous plant and flower species present as well as birds and mammals.
Often you will hear Skylarks and just recently we have started to see the re-appearance of Lapwings with their fantastic acrobatic displays.
Orchids, mountain pansies and cowslips are prevalent across Oarystones as well as various species of moss and lichen.
