Try sharing life down on the farm

Do you fancy cuddling a lamb or letting your pet dog learn some tricks from a sheep dog?

Karl Jones, 55, who runs a Saddleworth smallholding with his family, is offering stimulating packages encouraging families the chance to learn and share how farming in a traditional and sustainable way works for them.

They have launched their business from Ivy Cottage, their farm off Hollins Road near the Roebuck Inn at  Strinesdale.

The family have 37 heritage pedigree Ryeland sheep, an old fashioned hardy variety that were probably brought by to the country the Romans.

Said Karl: "The sheep have fluffy faces and look like teddy bears.

"We have just received our licence for animal exhibition from Oldham council and we have a five star food hygiene rating for our produce.

“We are offering a number of packages for visits,” he explained. 

“We don’t want be an open farm for people to just turn up, we are a working farm and we want to be able to properly show people how farming works for us.

“We're offering an hour on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for visitors to feed the sheep…and even cuddle a chicken.

"We also have half day sessions available later this month  to help with tupping.

"We'll be offering sessions to help with lambing, shearing and scanning throughout the year.”

And visitors are offered half-day sheepdog sessions, giving an oppprtunity to learn how to work with the farm’s own  sheepdog, Bluey.

“Or you could even bring your own border collie and see if it has what it takes to be a sheepdog,” added Karl.

He is working with his wife, Rachel, daughter Ellie, son Elliot and his girlfriend, Brooke Robinson, who works at Medivet in Mossley.

Prices start from £8 for a child friendly one hour visit to £80 for a half day experience.

Book at Ivy Cottage, Back o'th' Low Road off Hollins Road, Strinesdale, Oldham OL4 3SG .

All bookings are available on: ivycottage.uk or you can phone 07451 224331.

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