The Farm

Tenant farmer, Ben Hollins, runs the working farm at Fordhall.

Fordhalls pastures and our cows and sheep are all fully certified organic with the Soil Association. These principles include high standards of animal welfare; low levels of environmental pollution, prohibition of genetically modified food, enhancement of the landscape and wildlife habitats, and most importantly soil management, which maintains soil health and which does not involve the use of chemical fertilisers and sprays.

Ben's livestock are 100% free-range and graze species-rich chemical free pastures all year round. Ben does not use routine antibiotics or growth hormones. Neither does he feed additional concentrates through the winter. Ben farms as close to the natural lifestyle of the animal as possible, this means the animals mature slower than in conventional systems, but they are happier and produce a flavoursome and tender meat.

Ben rears cattle, sheep and pigs at Fordhall and he sells everything direct to the consumer through his farm shop, online shop, hog roasts or catering at events. All of which keep him extremely busy, especially during the summer months.

For more information on organic standards see www.soilassociation.org, or click on the animal photos to the side to read more about how we farm here at Fordhall.