Since our arrival at Glen Kerran Farm in June 2019, the place has continued to grow arms and legs, well wings and legs at least. During your stay with us, you are sure to bump into the chickens, sheep and pigs, or enjoy a walk around the growing veggie and fruit garden
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The Land
Glen Kerran is a 100 acre farm. Although not certified as Organic, we do not apply any chemicals onto the land. The farm is approximately 80 acres of pasture and 20 acres of woodlands. This includes some semi-natural, ancient woodlands along our two rivers, the Kerran (meaning Rowan) and the Conie (meaning Rabbit). Only last year we planted 900 new trees along the riverbanks to help replace old and dying trees. There are also a number of small native woodlands and commercial timber shelter belts planted before our time (10-20 years ago). The pasture is a mix of rough and old improved grassland and is still rich in wildflowers and diverse grass species. In all, this makes for a pretty perfect habitat for horses, herb rich grassland, plentiful water supply and natural shelter. |
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Our Ethos
We are passionate about the environment and self-sufficiency and each year strive to produce more and more of what we need on the farm. Almost nothing is wasted as Nikki engages her love of cycles. Horse manure goes into the garden. Vegetable waste feeds the pigs, kitchen scraps go to the chickens and in the midst, you get to sample the best bits. We are careful to minimise waste and we creatively reuse whatever we can. For example, we have made green-house boxes out of plastic bottles and the pig shelter from a fallen-down old railway-sleeper fence. |
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The Animals
The ever growing flock of Shetland sheep is now up to 50 strong (depending on the time of year). They are a colourful flock who produce delicious meat and super soft wool. They do a great job tidying up the fields after the horses and provide plenty of opportunities for hands on farming time throughout the year, be it lambing, shearing or routine care. During your stay you can sample some of this delicious grass-fed, home-produced lamb and cozy your feet on one of their skins in your bedroom at night. You may even get a chance to try out spinning some of this soft silky wool for yourself, or try your hand at felting. 
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Every year we rear some pigs but whether you meet them as wee piglets or fully grown pigs, they are always bursting with character and desperate for a tummy rub. They really are very friendly, terribly nosy, and especially noisy at feeding time. The pigs have their own home in our woods where they are great at ploughing up the ground to clear the otherwise impenetrable bracken and make room for more diverse woodland flora to return. If you are a meat eater you can sample our home-produced sausages and bacon at breakfast time or delicious pork, bursting with flavour and with the best crackling ever - all down to their happy free-range outdoor existence, we’re sure.
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Our chickens may be small, but they are mighty and have three extremely important roles on the farm. 1) Keeping up with Cara’s insatiable appetite for boiled eggs; 2) Clearing the veggie garden of slugs; and 3) Providing hours of entertaining ‘Chicken TV’. Thanks to our 12 chickens we are self sufficient in eggs, so you can enjoy the freshest scrambled eggs and bright yellow pancakes.
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The Garden
In 2021, with the help of HIE, we put up a polytunnel and this has been a great addition to our growing veggie garden. We are therefore now almost self-sufficient in most veggies and soft fruits, so you can be sure to taste some flavour-packed delights during your time with us.
In 2021, with the help of HIE, we put up a polytunnel and this has been a great addition to our growing veggie garden. We are therefore now almost self-sufficient in most veggies and soft fruits, so you can be sure to taste some flavour-packed delights during your time with us.
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For more details on the farmhouse please visit here.
