Torr Tops
Torr Tops extends right from the top of Coombsdale bank, across to Oarystones, affording some fantastic views of the Hope Valley. This is largely open grassland but does have one stand of woodland which we believe was originally planted to provide some shelter for the farm and its livestock.
Adtionally, at the top of this piece of land (near the gateway to Mather Close) is a circular earthen mound that archaeologists have speculated to be an aincient burial barrow.
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 Torr Tops
Wildlife
Keep your eyes open for wildlife both on the ground and in the air. There are numerous plantand 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.
Lady's Bedstraw, mountain pansies and cowslips are prevalent across Torr Tops as well as various species of moss and lichen.
Access
We encourage you to walk across Torr Tops and take a little time exploring the area. 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 Torr Tops, travelling across from Oarystones and then down into the Coombs Dale 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)
