About Us
Having worked on so-called 'organic' farms and witnessed the atrocities that took place, I thought there had to be a better way- a way in which animals could live dignified, natural lives, our native landscapes could be protected and enriched, and we could benefit from natural, sustainable meat.
From this hope, Shorthorns & Sheep was born...
Conservation Grazing
Our native landscape was shaped by wild herbivores. They disturbed the scrub, grazed the grasses, browsed the trees and dispersed nutrients and seeds. Today, there are few wild herbivores remaining, but conservation grazing aims to use livestock to replicate what wild herbivores did in the past, in order to conserve and promote biodiversity.
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The presence of our cattle and sheep in nature reserves prevents the need for land managers to use fossil fuelled machines and chemicals to shape ecosystems. Their job is to follow their instincts enabling habitats to naturally restore and balance.
Our Cattle
Our cattle are Northern Dairy Shorthorns, a breed considered critically endangered by the Rare Breed Survival Trust.
They are perfect for conservation grazing- light framed, hardy, docile and wonderful mothers.
They flourish on grazing grasses and browsing trees on biodiverse nature reserves so they don't need to eat anything artificial.
Our Sheep
Our flock started out with a few Black Welsh Mountain ewes, and from there it has grown and shifted along with the sites that we graze. Our sheep are now an array of colours, which makes our yarn truly unique.
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Our ewes are all hardy, out-wintered and lamb naturally out in the field. They thrive in marginal habitats and their diets consist solely of natural forage present in the sites that they graze.
Our Partners
Our cattle and sheep are fortunate enough to spend their lives on some of the most beautiful sites in Lincolnshire.
We partner with the RSPB, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency, as well as private landowners, to graze sites for the benefit of wildlife.
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If you are interested in conservation grazing or promoting wildlife on your land, please do get in touch. You can also learn more about our grazing services here.
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