About Us
Our Story at Little Tahall (so far!)
The location and terrain at Little Tahall farm create challenging agri-business conditions if the focus was solely on maximising profitability. With this in mind our aim is to create a small scale business with the highest quality products that are sustainable long term but with the lowest achievable impact on the environment. Our model of small scale farming has the advantage of agility and flexibility in a highly competitive market. This means we are able to keep costs relatively low and quickly change direction as needed.
One of our Blue Texel ewes and lambs
We currently run a ‘closed’ small mixed flock predominately consisting of Welsh Lleyn and Blue Texel sheep though have retained some of the the Shetland breed from our previous smallholding.
Store lambs are sold at market in the autumn though this year (2023) we are planning to produce Prime lambs for 2024. The business is still ‘work in progress’ and we constantly looking to develop what we do.
Regeneration Work
Much of the regeneration work at Little Tahall has involved establishing a balance between highly productive pasture for grazing and conservation areas to promote wildlife diversity. Part of our strategy includes keeping stock numbers relatively low to reduce pressure on the grassland which helps with conservation grazing and promotes good animal health monitoring and welfare.
Gradual improvements in the grassland quality from a monoculture grass type to encouraging a wider range of native grasses, flowers and herbs, has been key to flock health, encouraging pollinators and has been partnered with carefully planned wildlife areas that include water capture and woodland creation.
Some of our mixed flock on their summer pasture
Little Tahall Wool
Our sheep are shorn by ourselves every year as part of normal flock welfare.
If the fleece is not removed annually, sheep get very hot and are likely to be attacked by flies which lay their eggs in dirty wool.
Last year our wool was sent to Rampisham Hill Mill in Dorset. We chose them as they are able to process small quantities of fleece and offer great help and advice. The mill is also powered using renewable technology. We would prefer to process the wool locally but currently are unable to find a mill which will accept our relatively small amount of fleece.
The aim of this pilot year was to assess the quality of the wool as to its spinning potential, and test a generic market for the product.
Shetland, Zwartble cross Shetland, and Lleyn fleeces were skirted, hand sorted, vegetable matter removed, and then processed by the mill into pure white, natural Chocolate brown, and grey- brown. The end products were either washed and carded wool, suitable for handspinners, felters and crafters, or an Aran weight silver- grey Shetland yarn.
Marketing was limited to product testing using existing contacts of spinners, knitters and historical reenactors plus known Facebook groups. We found that the spun wool was particularly popular and sold well, the carded wool sold in smaller amounts, being popular with hand spinners. The wool is also being used at the Weald and Downland museum for demonstrations and volunteer training. One fleece was donated to a community art project. All feedback in quality and price was excellent.
The next steps are to formalise marketing for this lovely product, with website planned to increase the range of customers. The proportion of fleece processed as spun wool will be increased as it was popular and offers a greater profit margin despite the production outlay being greater than the carded wool product.
There is a considerable time cost pre- preparation before mill delivery, particularly in hand- removing of vegetative matter. However, with being a naturally kept flock, this is a necessary step to producing a quality product.
A Place To Stay
Originally the farm grain store the Granary is situated towards one end of a traditional stone built barn.
Probably constructed in the 1780s accommodation for holidays makers was created in the 1980s using current building standards in its refurbishment. Some aspects of the building have recently undergone improvements to allow it to meet modern standards to make best use of space whilst retaining its original charm. Licensed to accommodate up to 4 guests the Granary provides a cozy warm environment for guests. To find out more you can access the AirBnB site here.
Reuse, recycle and upcycle.
We understand that waste is often an outcome of human activity but here at Little Tahall we try to reuse or repurpose material that is usually sent for disposal or has been ‘left over’ from other projects. Where we can we use materials that are already on site to, for instance, to construct new resources. Similarly we always try to repair or repurpose old equipment before considering disposal at an appropriate recycling centre when no longer fit for purpose. Reducing waste like this is not only good for the environment but keeps business costs low.
The Granary porch made from 95% recycled and ‘left over’ materials.
Our approach to agriculture and tourism is undertaken with generational impact in mind.
We aim to ensure that permanent infrastructure improvements are done in such a way so that future repair and replacement does not need to happen for many years. This requires greater investment in the short term but the financial, human and environmental costs long term are considerably reduced. Similarly knowledge is a key component of this kind of sustainability and we are keen to tell visitors about our approach to agriculture and the environment.
If you want to know more or have ever thought about changing to a rural, agricultural or environmental lifestyle come and visit us.
About Our Biosphere Certification
A Biosphere is a special designation awarded by UNESCO to areas renowned for their special environments which are valued by local people. The aim of Biosphere are to promote the conservation of wildlife and habitats, support a better understanding of nature and global issues and foster both a sustainable economy and society. Here at Little Tahall Farm everything we do has these goals at the core both in our current activity and future plans.
Book Your Stay
Whether you need a quiet space to relax or enjoy more active adventures stay with us in the Granary.
Use the button below to be taken to AirBnB to make your booking.