Our Croft
and Harestone Animals
Our croft
We wanted to reconnect to the land and the environment, grow our own food and be as self sufficient as possible , have our own unique selection of animals and to do this while ensuring the land was as wild for nature as it could be.
Our animals arrived at the croft in 2022, and brought instant life to the farm with all their characters and fun. We wanted them to be able to live the best kind of life ensure they have all the best food , water and shelter they require. I think they love it as much as we do !
the animals
Highland cows
goats
Pigs
-
miniture highlands to come
Chickens & ducks
bees
valais sheep
Horse & shetland
meet the team
Meet the Harestone Highland cows. This hardy, hairy, beautiful Scottish breed are the show stopper's, camera's at the ready duo. I don't think they have a bad side !
Apart from being so photogenic they have an important role at our small holding, of trampling our fields and spreading there dung to help our rewilding.
They absolutely love a brush, and ginger goes into a trance as soon as the brush touches her back.
They currently have a bull staying for a wee holiday, so watch this space !
The goats are the cheekiest of all the animals on the croft, and are never to far away from some kind of mischief ! The leader of the shenanigans is always the little pygmy (front left).
These goats also provide us with great light grazing when they are left to roam freely in the fields before being called back in by the rattle of some feed.
Jack and Victor our black and white goats, named after Still Game's lovable due, are my secret favorites and they always come bounding over to see what is going on.
Our plan is to expand our Guernsey goat collection and produce our own goats cheese and soap.
Isa & Winston
These cute baby goats arrived in November 22 from our Pygmy goat, and have brought such fun and joy to the croft.
Keeping the still game theme after their Daddy- Jack or Victor !
Our Duroc's arrived as 8 week old weaners and were housed with chickens and ducks.
They are the fastest growing animal I have seen, everyday we visited them they had shot up in size.
They were soon moved to their own paddock, a very rough bit of farm that we needed help rooting and cultivating. They are quickly working their way through the thick foliage and still growing every day !
Our companion horses
GP & Wizzy
These two are best friends and after being lonely for a long time were brought together at Harestone to enjoy their retirement days together.
Love an apple and walk round the croft.
We have a small flock of Valais sheep that add the cuteness factor to our small team. They were a light impulse purchase but they have settled into our croft well and were are now looking to breed from this stock.
Regenerative farming
Sustain = Leave the same, and not make worse
Our aim is to
Regenerate - Make it better
We want to look after our small pixel of land in Scotland now, and for years to come. Our philosophy and plans will work with natural processes that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds and captures carbon in the soil - aided by our small team of animals.
Create the best environment for nature and our animals
Try to disturb the soil the least
Leave a living root
Keep the soil covered with living plants
Increase Biodiversity
Animal integration
grow your own
One of the most important elements of our croft is being able to try and be a self sufficient as possible , and even though I am still learning were able to get a good crop of potatoes , tomatoes, and turnips , courgettes and lettuces in our trial planting . 2023 will be our grow your own for real and we have created planting plans and the market garden and poly-tunnel is all ready.
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What to Do in the area
Magestic Aberdeenshire
From mountain to Sea, Aberdeenshire is Scotland's hidden gem
Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms , Distilleries, Beaches & Dolphins
We have it all
Attractions
Enjoy a wealth of culinary delights & sample the world-famous local food & drink.
Aberdeenshire is best known for our fresh seafood, Aberdeen Angus & craft beers
Dining
Dreaming of fresh air and outdoor adventures?
Surf the north sea waves, SUP in a city centre quarry, enjoy exhilarating mountain biking , bag a munro, or simply enjoy a beach stroll on 165 miles of coastline
If happiness is the goal, then adventures should be top!!