The Story So Far
Nethergill Farm was the result of just three years searching, and a lifelong ambition to own a farm. Situated in Langstrothdale at the headwaters of the Wharfe on the Dales Way, it is no ordinary farm. Three hundred and eighty eight acres between 1,200 and 1,600 feet above sea level with 70 acres of ‘in bye’ or grazing land round the house and the rest is exposed, wet, peaty, unproductive moorland. The large Victorian Farmhouse and traditional
farm buildings were built in 1871 and the original occupant a Mr Woodd was cousin by marriage to the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. Originally part of a larger estate, Nethergill nestles quietly into the hillside below the road to Hawes. Until the 1960s the original shippons, which are still in place, would have supported a 20/30 cow dairy unit.
So, why Nethergill? Nethergill has given us a unique opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and surround ourselves with a piece of the countryside within which we can strive to enhance and develop the wildlife to its full potential. Our long-term aim is to create a wildlife haven combined with sustainable farming practice, which can financially support us and be visited and enjoyed by other like-minded countryside and wildlife enthusiasts. A "step back in time", peaceful and secluded Nethergill is a unique haven for all.
The very beginning. From a college romance Chris and I started our farming careers rearing outdoor pigs on the Loseley Park Estate near Guildford, Surrey. Our pigs enjoyed the organic pastures and chocolate ice cream ‘left overs’ from the Loseley Dairy. After 10 years of ‘hands on’ and long days we successfully sold the business and retrained in Graphic Design and Marketing. We bought Nethergill in November 2005 and in order to support our plans for its future development we both continue to work in our design and marketing business as well as on the farm and running the B and B.
Bed and Breakfast. Bed and breakfast commenced in June 2007, with many like-minded and interesting walkers coming to stay overnight on their way through to Bowness on the Dales Way, which runs directly past our front door. Now in 2011 we are seeing many walkers returning to stay awhile and immerse themselves in Nethergill. Guest accommodation includes 1 twin and 1 double bedroom both 4 star silver rated and a third occasional twin room. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms set amid wonderful Dales landscape. Homemade bread, marmalade, lemon curd and home cured bacon all to be enjoyed. In November 2009 we were awarded the Deliciouslyorkshire Breakfast Award.
Wildlife enhancement - Ellbeck Wood planting. To further enhance the wildlife across the farm and to encourage Red Squirrels, we have planted an area of 30 acres of moorland with mixed species woodland totalling 18,000 trees in conjunction with the National Parks and Forestry Commission. Planting was completed in February 2008. For more information see 'latest news' . The planting area runs parallel with Greenfield Forest which has been declared the 17th Red Squirrel reserve in Britain. More tree planting will take place in Autumn 2011. The tree planting on the farm has had a dramatic effect on the biodiversity and has enticed Black Grouse back to the area after an absence of 40 or so years.
The farming business. Approximately 65 Dalesbred ewes currently graze Nethergill. The Dalesbred ewes are crossed with Hampshire rams to produce lambs for sale and use through the Bed and Breakfast and evening meal enterprise. Lambs born on hill farms such as Nethergill have traditionally been born and reared to ‘store’ weight then sent further down the Dale to the sweeter grass to ‘finish’ for sale. As part of our long-term plans we are moving the lambing to April/May time aiming to keep the lambs on the farm until they reach mutton weight to sell direct off the farm and through internet sales.
The White Shorthorns. Purchased in 2009 - Whitebred Shorthorn cattle; one cow with calf at foot and two maiden heifers. We have since bred 2 more purebred heifers to add to our suckling herd. White Shorthorns are rare and endangered. Considered to be one of the most docile and gentle of breeds they also are some of the most hardy. They are able to live out on grass alone all winter at great heights on all types of grazing. Originally from the North they should thrive here. We hope in the future to hand milk one of the cows and offer it to the Bed and Breakfast guests along with butter and cheese.
As from January 2012 evening meals served at Nethergill will use our some of are own grassfed Whitebred Shorthorn beef. Slow grown, grassfed and matured for several weeks for the best possible taste and tenderness.
Recent research has shown that milk, meat, butter and cheeses from cows that are out all year and fed only a grass diet produce products many times better for us than housed cattle fed on cereal. Ref: ‘The Carbon Fields’ by Graham Harvey.
Bracken the working Dales Pony. A valuable member of the team is Bracken the pure bred native working Dales Pony. Bracken is 14 years old and fully trained to work on the farm. His main role at Nethergill is to drag logs out of the plantation up above the Moss (‘Sniggling’), for us to use as firewood. He will also carry out tasks such as chain harrowing. Bracken is ideally suited to farms like this, as he will do minimal damage to the soil structure and the wet Nethergill land. When Bracken has fully settled in, guests will be invited to spend time with him, helping to harness him and to go with Chris across the Beck and up onto The Moss to gather timber and drag it back to the farm. Seeing Bracken in action is, we think, very special. Such activities would have been carried out exactly in this way at Nethergill up until the late 50s. Bracken is one of the cogs that allow us to manage Nethergill using business and farm practices that incorporate the best of the past with the best of the present. So, we have a small tractor, quad bike, a working pony, grass fed livestock and a sustainable farming, business and living policy.
Very free range chickens. The Nethergill chickens have access to the whole of the farm and produce our delicious eggs for breakfast in all sizes and colours.
Other members of the team are: A working Collie (Kim) a Jack Russell (Meg) and a new trainee Collie pup (Pip)
Visitors are very welcome to learn more about the livestock at Nethergill Farm through guided farm walks.
Nethergill Farm Foods. Succulent traditional lamb and beef from the hills in Wharfedale. All cuts individually packaged and labelled and posted overnight. Please ring for more details.
On-going conservation projects
Tree planting up the gill sides in association with Natural England. This scheme is aimed at protecting against erosion and encouraging Black Grouse and other species to remain with us.
Upper Wharfe River Restoration Project - (Yorkshire Dales River Trust) We are working with the YDRT and Wharfedale Naturalist Society this Spring to reduce river erosion along the banks of the Oughtershaw Beck running across Nethergill land. Willow bundles will be laid along the banks interdispersed with trees. By reducing the erosion it will reduce the level of silt in the water benefitting trout breeding grounds, helping to reduce flooding lower down the Wharfe and enrich the habitat all along the river, encouraging Water Vole and Otter amongst others.
2012
We are installing a biomass boiler in March 2012, the boiler will source timber from the woodland on our boundary and use Gayle Mill, Nr. Hawes to process the timber into short lengths for firewood.
Renovation of the traditional meadows and more tree planting across the farm, mainly on the sides of the Gills.
Continuing rush management will provide the optimum level of rush growth for wading birds whilst retaining farm productivity. Nethergill Farm is managed in close association with environmental experts from Natural England, Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Forestry Commission, Wharfedale Naturalists Society and other local wildlife groups. Nethergill is also pleased to become a partner of the newly formed Yorkshire Dales Environment Network
Self-catering and Field Centre - ready August 2012
We are now getting closer to our long term vision and have commenced building 2 self catering appartments and a Field Centre within our existing Shippon and barn to be ready by August 2012. We aim to demonstrate how food, farming and the environment can all work together and provide a wonderful 'get away from it all' haven for visitors to enjoy. The appartments will be as in keeping and eco friendly as possible, providing luxury and comfort within a stunning environment. The field centre will be available for groups, courses and individuals to relax, see, observe, learn and enjoy the amazing wildlife sights on the farm.
Painting. As a keen painter before I moved to Nethergill I am now surrounded and inspired by the unique atmosphere of the Dales. Mixed media including paper and wool are a favourite as well as more recently oils. Winner of the Pro-Arte competition run by Craven District I am enjoying producing commissions for both locals and visitors to the Dales.
Prints both limited and unlimited copies, framed and unframed are available of all artwork, as well as A5 cards. Click here to see paintings
Header picture courtesy of Yorkshire Post newspapers
