The Farm
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Slack House Farm is a 45 ha (112 acre) holding situated in beautiful open countryside between Hadrian's Wall and the southern edge of the Kielder Forest complex, in Cumbria but bordering Northumberland. The views are magnificent over the We believe the farmstead was built in the Georgian period by a yeoman farmer. |
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The farm has full organic status. We keep a pedigree herd of Ayrshire dairy cattle and their offspring which will join the milking herd, plus a small number for beef when crossed with Bouncer, our Aberdeen Angus bull. We also have a flock of Dorset Mule ewes,
which are crossed with the |
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All the land is down to pasture providing summer grazing for the stock or to forage crops for winter keep. The farm is also managed within the Country Stewardship Scheme to enhance the wildlife habitat. We are constructing and maintaining the drystone walls, woodland, hedgerows, trees and waterways and managing areas of pasture to encourage the succession of indigenous populations of plants and animals and to produce suitable nesting and feeding sites for upland birds. |
Wild flowers |
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We have a permissive footpath trail around the farm through areas of particular ecological interest. Schools and children's groups are encouraged to visit the farm. We provide activities to compliment their curriculum and to encourage interest and understanding of the rural environment, and these are also available to groups, organisations and our guests. Visitors may also meet a gang of chickens wandering about the farm. These produce the eggs which we hope our guests will enjoy, along with the fruit and vegetables from our garden. We hope that guests will also find the cottage garden a pleasant vista in which to relax. |
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Other occupants of the farm are Tip, the working border collie sheep/cattle dog along with Oliver and Tabitha, the rodent controlling felines. Our equine contingent consists of Brando, a semi-retired Pony Club pony and Flora Mhor, a Highland pony who occasionally has Shepherding duties to perform as well as learning a variety of skills, and leading trail rides for guests on their horses. |
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Birdoswald Organic Farmhouse Cheese |