Organic Farm

At Newmiln Farm in the Strathearn valley, Hugh and Sascha Grierson farm organically as they believe that good food comes from a good system. They ensure that their animals are able to express their natural behaviour and consume their natural diets. They believe good practice creates a traditional product, full of flavour and health giving properties. Everything on their farm is grown to Soil Association Organic Standards

A farm visit will include a walk around the farm to see the Aberdeen Angus cattle, sheep, chickens and laying hens.  You will get a fascinating insight into organic farming and how it has brought wildlife back into the fields. Butterflies have thrived, drawn to the red clover that is planted for soil fertility.  Bees can be found in the white clover and hoverflies and ladybirds hunt through the potato crops keeping them free of aphids and the diseases that aphids carry. As a result of the insects there are birds and mammals.  There are wetland fields with lapwings, red hawk and curlew. Other fields provide seeds for finches, larks, and tree sparrows. Sand martins follow the cows, hunting for insects. Barn owls hunt for voles and red kites clear up the left overs.

After your walk you will return to the farmhouse for a cooking demonstration by Sasha followed by a lunch of organic produce which will take place in the kitchen or the garden if the weather is fine.  Talk to Hugh and Sascha about life on the farm and hear their stories of a different way of life.