Introducing the 'Belties'
Twenty years ago we decided to start our own herd of cattle. The herd would graze the tricky, exposed and nutritionally-poor grasslands. Not all cows are suited to these conditions, but luckily Belted Galloways are. They not only thrive on steep grasslands but are also incredibly hardy and perfectly suited to live out all year round.
1999
We bought our first heifers, naming them Beatrice, Brandy, Zelda and Voy. Another heifer, Annie joined the group later in the year.
2000
The first heifer calf was born to Annie at the Ebworth Centre, and was given the name Rodborough Thistle.
2002
Beatrice, Brandy, Zelda and Voy all had calves, starting the suckler herd we have today. At the grand old age of 18, one of these calves,Vetch, is still in the herd today. We also bought five more heifers, taking the total to 15.
2019
The herd has continued to grow, with 100 Belties happily munching their way around Gloucestershire's limestone grasslands.