Fernhill Farm – Somerset, UK

Andy Wear, Jennifer Hunter and their two boys, Kyle and Seth, are first-generation farmers at Fernhill Farm, situated on the top of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, at the heart of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The family raises Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW beef cattle and sheep on species-rich pasture. They are passionate about conservation, regenerative agriculture, rural skills and natural fibres.

The farming practices at Fernhill Farm are not only better for the animals, but also for the wider environment. The sheep and cattle at Fernhill Farm are slowly rotated around the fields to mimic the natural grazing patterns of large herbivore herds. “We allow long periods between grazing each field to let plants recover and mature so their roots reach deep into the soil, extracting minerals and ensuring the long-term stability and quality of the land,” Andy explains. “The grass then provides nutritious food for the livestock, which in turn provide us with lean, rich meat.”

Jen and Andy are highly focused on animal welfare for both their farmed species and the local wildlife. “Fernhill is an all-grassland farm with orchard, woodlands, hedges and limestone walls that create a diverse range of field boundaries. This makes the farm a safe haven for both livestock and wildlife,” says Jen. “Through our holistic practice, we hope to make a difference for the future of our struggling planet. Our animals are multi-purpose and produce meat, wool and leather, while increasing soil biodiversity and sequestering atmospheric carbon.”

In addition to high-quality, delicious Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW beef and lamb at Fernhill Farm, the flock of sheep also provide wool that is harvested annually by expert shearers and used to create a range of natural fibre textiles that are processed within the UK.

Fernhill Farm’s Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW Aberdeen Angus beef is on contract to Waitrose. Guests visiting the farm can purchase direct through the farm’s online store. Visit fernhill-farm.co.uk for more information.  To find out more about Fernhill Farm wool and fibre products, visit fernhillfibre.co.uk. Follow the farm on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.