A pioneering family farm in East Yorkshire, that already hosts cow cuddling and cattle safaris, now offers a chance for visitors to stroke and cuddle fluffy Highland calves.
Dumble Farm, three miles north of Beverley, is a cow lover’s delight, where visitors can get up close and personal with its herd of Highland cattle, which were introduced on to the 200-acre estate as part of a major conservation project.
Popular ‘Cow Cuddling’ experiences were joined last summer by cow and wildlife safaris aboard the Dumble Bus – and now autumn brings another special hands-on experience.
Calf handling sessions provide small groups of visitors a chance to meet, stroke, brush and cuddle calves as well as spend time socialising with them, before heading out on a safari to meet the main fold of Highland cows.
But the calf experience, starting mid-September, is only available for around two months, with tickets tending to sell out quickly, so the advice is to book early.
Dumble Farm is a working farm, managed by three farmers – Fi and Will Wilson, and Fi’s bother James McCure – running a large conservation project, and its experiences and tours are planned around the farming schedule as well as the seasons of the year.
As part of a move away from intensive dairy farming, it became home to a herd of Highland cattle because their browsing habits make them perfect conservation grazers.
And after realising that the cows – famous for their long horns and flowing woolly coats – also loved attention, being groomed and taken on adventure walks, the farm introduced the unusual visitor experiences.
Passionate about the conservation work and the role played by their Highland cows, Fi, Will and James aim to show visitors how Dumble Farm is working towards boosting the environment and biodiversity.
While Dumble Farm is open all year round, the experiences vary throughout the year, depending on the season.
The calf handing sessions last around three hours and include refreshments – featuring Farmer Fi’s home baked cakes made with many ingredients grown on the farm – and cost £65 per person, which must be pre-booked. They are due to be available until 30 October.
Cow cuddling costs £55 per person and the Highland Cow Experience, featuring cow cuddling, plus a safari and feeding, from £50. The safaris cost from £20.
Predominantly an adult only experience, children are welcome on the Highland Cow Safari and Meet the Coos tour, but the minimum age for all other experiences is 16 years.
For more details, full prices and to book tickets, visit www.dumblefarm.com
For tourist information on East Yorkshire, see www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk
Photos: Dumble Farm
