This is my first report for 2018. Already March, we have survived the snows of storm Emma. The sheep took it in their stride but the cattle were quite unsettled. These Highlands have never seen snow. Spring is hopefully around the corner. Lambing begins in about two weeks. The ewes are looking fine, and getting a bit of extra feed now. In the last month the lamb does a huge amount of growing inside the ewe. We have added a few more acres to Lower Brimley. Last November Dan and Archie went to an auction and bought another farm. We became the proud owners of Stoke Knapp Farm, located just a few minutes north. I write this calmly, but my insides are still bubbling with this new adventure. No nice retirement for Dan and Jo, relaxing on a beach in Florida. An old house in a very poor state with crumbling old stone sheds along with the land will keep us right here in beautiful West Dorset. And both Hannah and Archie are truly excited about their future with the farm. We have known Stoke Knapp and Mr Tolley since we first bought our little cottage in Stoke Abbott. Dudley was kind and good, quite a character, a special eccentric, and it was wonderful to know him. I will tell you more about him in future blogs. I never imagined we would ever own his farm. When he became quite ill I met his nieces in hospital, we have stayed in touch and I know they are also happy we acquired Stoke Knapp. It will stay a farm, much like Dudley cared for it, only a bit tidier! There is so much to think about it is still overwhelming. We are already getting good advice from farmers around us. It is wonderful that many farmers in the area, some we don’t even know, have contacted us, glad we will farm the land and not turn it into a conference centre or wedding venue or housing scheme! We have 170 sheep grazing on the hill, brought in by a local sheep farmer. It does such good for the grass as it hadn't been grazed for quite some time. 20 of our shearling Portlands are also on Stoke Knapp. The fencing is in a very poor state so we use electric fencing to keep them in. For the last eight weeks we have been cleaning out the farmyard and sheds, sorting rubbish and collecting huge quantities of scrap metal. It has only just begun.
We will farm the land in the most environmentally friendly way. There are miles of hedgerows to be laid. Our native breed and rare breed livestock are perfect grazers for the permanent grassland. Fields at Stoke Knapp are not quite so steep as those at Lower Brimley. The farm sits on and around Waddon Hill, the top of which is flat and over twenty acres. There are lovely views and a scheduled monument, Waddon Hill Roman Hill fort. There was also a quarry at one point and many old cottages in surrounding villages were built from Waddon Stone. We are thrilled and feel a real responsibility to take the best possible care of our new farm. In the meantime, cattle need feeding!
8 Comments
Maggie Andrew
10/3/2018 01:49:54 am
Gosh Jo you don’t make it easy do you! Good luck with the new acquisition!! X
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10/3/2018 08:15:57 am
Good luck with your new acquisition, I have often driven past that farm and thought what a dilapidated state it was in and it’s nice to know it’s in good hands. Don’t forget to contact me if you need any electrical wiring or a solar PV system to help it’s green credentials.
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28/7/2019 08:50:50 am
Dear family,
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Ray Beer
5/3/2020 03:08:58 am
I knew Dudley for nigh on 12 years and metal detected on his land (nothing much found). We used to have long natters about UFOs which he and I were followers of, he gave me a signed copy of his published book on UFOs. He was a true Dorset gentleman and I never heard him say anything nasty about life. I am sure you will look after his farm which as you say was sorely neglected due I think to his age. RIP Dudley
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Lee
2/5/2022 12:29:00 am
Hi Ray, do you know where I can pick up a copy of the book? Would love to have a read.
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RAY BEER
2/5/2022 12:58:05 am
I am sorry Lee but I dont know where you could get the book as Dudley gave it to me (signed) quite a few years ago.
RAY BEER
2/5/2022 10:59:32 am
If i can find the book I will let you have it as I have read it and its not a book worth archiving. Anyway I will let you know when have found it.
Lee Tolley
4/5/2022 04:53:16 am
Many thanks Ray.
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AuthorJo Stover has daily adventures on her small farm, together with her Highland cattle and Portland sheep, bees, a few hens, dogs, and some two-legged family and friends. Archives
September 2018
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