The Farm Animals of Hunting Hall
Our Sheep.
As his father and grandfather did before him, Tom looks after a flock of sheep at Hunting Hall. Look out for the speckled-faced North County Mules and black-faced cross-Suffolk ewes in this mixed organic flock. At the beginning of the year the sheep are brought down to the farm in preparation for a March lambing. Later, the ewes and new lambs are turned out into the farm’s traditional organic meadows.
Freddie and Jamie, the Donkeys
Freddie and Jamie came to live at Hunting Hall in 2018. They had been taken in by a rescue centre in Ireland before being sent to the Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary who brought them to us to foster. We know nothing about their early life; when they arrived at Hunting Hall they were frightened and unused to being handled. It’s taken time to gain their trust and Jamie, the bigger of the two, is still a little wary at times, though he’s happy to do a little pulling work around the farm. Freddie is small and a bit bossy, but he’s been quick to learn and he can carry a pack saddle or pull a small cart. We’re very proud of all that our two donkeys have achieved in the time they have been with us and really enjoy taking them on treks through the local countryside.
Our Native Cattle
We have a small organic herd of Beef Shorthorn cows. These are gentle animals, well known for their native hardiness and sustainability. With support from Natural England we have created a grazing programme to restore our grassland wildflowers; the cows graze the stronger, fast-growing grasses giving more delicate plants a chance to thrive and flower. In the autumn the cattle tread flower seeds into the ground, regenerating the farm’s species rich meadows.
