Hamatethy Farm
Bodmin Moor
At Hamatety on the edge of Bodmin Moor in North Cornwall Yan Swiderski is rewilding 750 acres. The land is low stocked with with a small, slow-growing, almost wild herd of Welsh Black cattle that eat only the abundant grass and forage here – 100% pasture fed, leading natural lives outside beyond thirty months old. Alongside these animals thrives a host of wildlife in the sky and the undergrowth. The presence and activity of the cattle here is helping to expand an existing breeding cuckoo range. White storks and voles are found here, barn owls and kestrels hunt small mammals in the long grass.
Livestock
Welsh Black cattle
Welsh Black cattle are a hardy breed of cattle originating from Wales. They are a very old breed, with records of them dating back to the 1600s. They are a small breed of cattle, with cows weighing between 500 and 600kg and bulls weighing between 700 and 800kg. Welsh Blacks have a black coat, with white markings around the eyes, muzzle, and udder. They have a docile temperament, making them an ideal choice for smallholders. They are well adapted to the cold and wet British climate and are very hardy and long-lived. They are a dual-purpose breed, being a good producer of both beef and milk. Welsh Black cattle are a popular breed, with a loyal following in Wales and beyond.