Higher Cheristow Farm
Higher Cheristow Farm
Higher Cheristow Farm has been run by the Heard family since Eric's father moved here in the 1950s. Today the farm is run by Eric and his wife Michelle.
They follow traditional, old-fashioned farming methods minimising their use of artificial fertilisers or herbicides. They work in harmony with nature for the benefit of their livestock, the microbes that live within the soils and to provide a haven for wildlife and insects.
Herbal leys
Herbal leys give the cows a smorgasbord of delicious herbs, grasses and legumes.
They love the deep-rooting plants like plantain, chicory and bird's-foot trefoil, which are full of vitamins and minerals keeping them fit and healthy.
Rotational grazing
Rotationally grazing helps with carbon capture and minimises poaching in wet weather. The fields are divided into one-acre paddocks, separated by temporary electric fences.
Eric visits the cows daily and moves them into the next paddock. They hop and skip and frolic and then eagerly eat their favourite delicacy.
Healthy soils
Soils and soil organic matter are monitored to help maintain rainwater absorption leading to clean streams and rivers.
The fields are teaming with earthworms, and the plants are full of insect life.
Hedgerows
The hedgerows are cut every 2 or 3 years to help provide shelter and food for wildlife as well as sequestering carbon.
Over 8km of brambles, nettles and weeds are cut by hand from around the electric fences, which protect the hedges from being damaged by the cattle. The trees come over the electric wire providing willow and other bushes for the cattle to eat.
This has to be done several times a year. Oh, busy times when the weeds are growing.
Homeopathy
For the last couple of years the Heard's have been using homeopathic medicine.
As well as using it as a preventative measure such as reducing weaning stress. It is also used in emergency situations such as tooth abscess, summer mastitis or assisted calving.
A wonderful insight into an alternative form of therapy with no known side effects, and certainly has reduced vet bills!
Meat boxes
We supply meat boxes delivered nationwide, professionally cut by our local butcher.
The meat box comprises either 5kg or 10kg and includes a selection of steak, mince, stewing beef and roasts.
Devon cattle grazing the lush pasures at Higher Cheristow Farm, Hartland, North Devon.
Contact Details
Address: Higher Cheristow Farm, Higher Cheristow, Hartland, Devon, EX39 6DA England
Telephone: 01237440101
Email: cheristow77@yahoo.com