A small family farm in the Scottish Highlands, raising heritage breed animals and crops, and using regenerative and sustainable practices – old and new – to bring the family farm back from 30 years of neglect. Share our journey with us!
Hirsel:
1. Scottish : a flock of sheep
2. Scottish : the land grazed by a flock of sheep
– http://www.merriam-webster.com
The Hirsel:
A classic Highland hill farm for modern times
We raise Hebridean sheep for their wool, meat, and conservation grazing skills. An ‘unimproved’ breed, these sheep have survived near extinction, and are gaining in popularity again.
Our Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs joined us in the autumn of 2019, and are settling in nicely, plowing our fields for us, and making snacks out of unwanted thistles and reeds.
Still in the development stages, our fruit and veg fields are already supplying our home with yummy tatties and apples. Soon, we hope to be able to offer them for sale to the public.
Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Hirsel enjoys stunning views across the farm to the Dornoch Firth. We’re doing all we can to allow that beauty to flourish on The Hirsel.
Our ‘softly softly’ approach to reclaiming the farm from 30 years of neglect has encouraged many species of birds and small mammals to take up residence with us. The pheasants especially like cleaning up after the song birds at the bird tree.
There are many ways to farm the land. And many ways to be farmers. Our animals aren’t pets, but neither are they purely ‘produce’. Even those meant for the abattoir are given the best care and the most love we can, while they’re with us.
