Here at Cragg House Farm, we are proud champions for quality pedigree native breeds of livestock. Native breeds have characteristics that are better suited to our challenging climate and make a positive contribution to the ecosystem they have evolved to thrive in. Alongside the farm land located in the valley floor around Buttermere, Crummock and Setmurthy (near Bassenthwaite) we also have grazing rights on common land on the fell.

In the video below, follow some of our ewes as they walk from our farm gate to our common grazing on the slopes of Knott Rigg & Ard Crags:

Our Farming Journey

Our Native Breeds & Farm Produce

  • Four sheep standing on green grass, with dark foliage in the background.

    Herdwick

    The guardians of the Lake District: We run a flock of 200 Herdwick Sheep. Some of these belong to the National Trust and some of them are our own.

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  • A sheep with a black face and ears standing in a grassy field, with a wooden fence and trees in the background.

    Derwent Kerry Hills

    Our lovely flock of pedigree Derwent Kerry Hills were established in 2018 and are an eye-catching addition to our farm.

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  • Two people, a man and a woman, are posing with a sheep that has a red and white ribbon on its back. The sheep has a yellow fleece, and there is a trophy on the grass in front of them. They are outdoors in a field with mountains and other people in the background, under cloudy weather.

    High Stile South Country Cheviots

    The hardy little native breed sheep that thrives on our farm! Our flock was founded in 2025.

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  • A flock of five sheep and lambs standing on a mossy hillside under a leafless tree, with rolling hills in the background.

    High Stile Clun Forest

    A hardy native hill breed - we have a small flock founded on Derwent bloodlines from Rach’s family flock.

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  • Five dogs on a mountain ledge overlooking valleys, lakes, and mountains under a cloudy sky.

    High Stile Sheepdogs

    Effective, ISDS registered, working sheepdog team founded on proven, quality bloodlines. Dogs standing at stud and occasionally puppies available.

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  • Two goats standing in a grassy field with mountains and trees in the background under a clear sky.

    High Stile Royal Golden Guernseys

    Our beautiful, rare golden team - they are a regal, native dairy goat and we use their milk to make our soap.

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  • Close-up of a pig's face with muddy nose, surrounded by green grass and dry plant stems.

    Oxford Sandy & Black

    We chose Oxford Sandy & Black pigs due to their quiet, friendly personalities and use this ‘At Risk’ rare, native breed as part of our conservation grazing strategy and habitat mosaic creation.

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  • Four black and white goats with long, curved horns standing on green grass in a field with trees in the background.

    High Stile Bagot Goats

    Bagot Goats are thought to be the oldest breed of native goat, coming to the UK in 1389. They are another ‘At Risk’ rare, native breed and are used for conservation grazing in the parkland on the shores of Crummock.

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  • Two dark-colored horses standing in grassy field near a body of water with mountainous landscape in the background.

    Highstile Fell Ponies

    In 2024, we made the decision to begin our own Fell Pony herd in the beautiful Buttermere valley.

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  • Bees flying toward the entrance of a wooden bee hive with a red triangular covering.

    High Stile Honey Bees

    Our apiary was founded in 2025 in the location of an old orchard on the farm that we hope to restore.

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  • Group of various chickens of different colors and breeds outdoors on grass.

    High Stile Hens

    Our happy flock of rare, native breeds include the Light, Buff & Speckled Sussex and Cream Legbars.

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  • Two ducks, one with a black head and beige body, and the other with a brown body, walking on a grassy field near trees.

    High Stile Ducks

    We have a small family of Khaki Campbell ducks that are led by their drake Kevin!

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  • Wool

    High Stile Wool

    We have everything available from raw fleeces fresh off the backs of our sheep to handspun yarn or even handmade cushions and rugs. Please get in touch if you are looking for something in particular and can’t find it in our online shop.

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  • Herb-crusted meat roulade sliced open on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of green chimichurri sauce, lemon wedge, and fresh herbs.

    High Stile Produce

    We can provide a variety of meat products from our slow grown, locally reared native livestock, including hogget, mutton and pork boxes. Visit our online shop to see current availability.

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  • Herd of sheep and dogs on a hillside with a mountain landscape in the background.

    Tenant Farming

    As National Trust tenant farmers we aim to work together with the trust to deliver a farming enterprise that meets their national strategy and works positively with our shared ambition to make visitors feel welcome to this beautiful area.

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There is a need to farm harmoniously alongside nature; a need for sustainable food; and a need to support the change makers…