Our Farming Journey
Here at Cragg House Farm, we are proud champions for quality pedigree native breeds of livestock. Native breeds have characteristics that are better suited to our challenging climate and make a positive contribution to the ecosystem they have evolved to thrive in. Alongside the farm land located in the valley floor around Buttermere, Crummock and Setmurthy (near Bassenthwaite) we also have grazing rights on common land on the fell.
In the video below, follow some of our ewes as they walk from our farm gate to our common grazing on the slopes of Knott Rigg & Ard Crags:
Our Native Breeds & Farm Produce
-
Herdwick
The guardians of the Lake District: We run a flock of 200 Herdwick Sheep. Some of these belong to the National Trust and some of them are our own.
-
Derwent Kerry Hills
Our lovely flock of pedigree Derwent Kerry Hills were established in 2018 and are an eye-catching addition to our farm.
-
Oxford Sandy & Black
We chose Oxford Sandy & Black pigs due to their quiet, friendly personalities and use this ‘At Risk’ rare, native breed as part of our conservation grazing strategy and habitat mosaic creation.
-
High Stile Bagot Goats
Bagot Goats are thought to be the oldest breed of native goat, coming to the UK in 1389. They are another ‘At Risk’ rare, native breed and are used for conservation grazing in the parkland on the shores of Crummock.
-
High Stile Sheepdogs
Effective, ISDS registered, working sheepdog team founded on proven, quality bloodlines. Dogs standing at stud and occasionally puppies available.
-
High Stile Wool
We have everything available from raw fleeces fresh off the backs of our sheep to handspun yarn or even handmade cushions and rugs. Please get in touch if you are looking for something in particular and can’t find it in our online shop.
-
High Stile Produce
We can provide a variety of meat products from our slow grown, locally reared native livestock, including hogget, mutton and pork boxes. Visit our online shop to see current availability.
-
Tenant Farming
As National Trust tenant farmers we aim to work together with the trust to deliver a farming enterprise that meets their national strategy and works positively with our shared ambition to make visitors feel welcome to this beautiful area.
