The Farm and it's wildlife

Willowford is a 100-acre farm, currently converting to the organic standards of the Soil Association. The farm carries a flock of Swaledale ewes that produce prime lamb, two dozen chickens for eggs and some Ayrshire cows from the dairy herd of neighbouring Slack House Organic Farm. We also have a hive of bees, numerous cats and a very entertaining sheepdog.

The River Irthing and the surrounding fields provide a diverse range of habitats that support much native wildlife. Foxes, badgers, deer and red squirrels are often seen on the land while the river contains trout and salmon and, reportedly, the odd otter. Birds are also abundant, with curlews, sand martins and dippers regularly spotted.

The farm is managed within an Environmental Stewardship Scheme, which means we use farming practices that are environmentally sensitive in order to protect and enhance wildlife habitats.

Photo 1 by K Cook, 2, 3 & 4 by Joan Thirlaway