ENJOY a unique walk around a Dartmoor hill farm, which is not usually open to the public, and find out more about the traditional farming system from the farmers themselves.

On Sunday, June 23 at 10am, there is a farm walk at Moorlands Farm, near Two Bridges.

Layland and Gill Branfield, tenant farmers at Moorlands, will show visitors around and tell them about farming life today. Layland will also show how he shears a sheep and explain what happens to the wool.

Moorlands Farm is a typical upland farm, running a flock of around 600 sheep, based on Swaledale ewes and including blue-faced Leicesters and 20 pedigree grey-faced Dartmoors, as well as a herd of around 100 suckler cows. Layland starts shearing the grey faced Dartmoors in June and continues with the main flock in July.  

There are a number of important historic features on the farm, from a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age field system to the remains of an unusual early 20th century overhead cableway for timber. The farm is reached over a particularly pretty 18th century stone bridge.

This walk is most suited to adults and older children. It is, unfortunately, not suitable for people with buggies or wheelchairs.

The walk costs £4 for adults and is free for children. Booking is essential and places are limited to 25. Due to the presence of livestock, visitors are asked not to bring dogs to this event, other than assistance dogs.

Book through the National Park Visitor Centre, Princetown, on 01822 890414 or email [email protected]">[email protected]