The farm

The National Trust bought Heber Farm in 1994 to help preserve it as the last working farm in the village.

Tenanted by us since then, the farm keeps us busy with 600 sheep, plus cattle including a developing herd of Belted Galloways. As hill farming becomes less able to survive commercially in today’s economy the new herd provides a more viable breed, naturally equipped to live outdoors without the costs associated with indoor accommodation and feeding.

Garry is on the steering group for the Yorkshire Dales National Park looking at ‘higher nature farming’ practices as a means to long term sustainable farming methods that benefit the environment.

The community

We know that we are very fortunate to be able to live in this magnificent place and work hard to ensure that our vibrant Buckden community adapts and continues to survive the challenges of our changing world.

It was the Tour de France Le Grande Depart in 2014 which inspired a temporary camping site on the meadow. It was so successful that we developed the idea to help provide a sustainable income to support and complement the farm.

While farming is a struggle against the environment, embracing its magnificence and sharing it with visitors through tourism enables us to protect the future working economy of the village.

As such, the continuing development of our campsite is welcomed by our fellow villagers as a sustainable community initiative providing opportunities for local employment. It is also encouraged by the Yorkshire Dales National Park which is working to encourage the regeneration of the natural landscape which has been over-grazed by centuries of sheep farming.

Buckden has its own community website to keep up to date with all local events – www.buckden.org/