Lower Gazegill Farm

Farmers: Ian O’Reilly and Emma Robinson

Location: Rimington, Lancashire

Enterprises/Activities: Organic sheep, beef, pigs

Ian and Emma describe their operation at Gazegill Organic Farm as “a relaxed approach to farming and with an emphasis on true welfare”.

The land has been farmed for 500 years and the couple feel the responsibility to maintain a sustainable and sympathetic approach that continues to protect and enhance the farm while it’s in their custodianship.

Rare and traditional breeds are the focus at Gazegill, chosen for being suited to an organic system where they can be slowly grown in stress-free surroundings, leading to food with better texture and flavour.

The farm boasts traditional hay meadows that are rich in flower, herb and grass species and make an excellent habitat for the abundance of wild birds and other wild animals. A variety of ancient monuments have been preserved on the land over the centuries, including Roman roads and Gazegill is part of the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme with Natural England.

Emma with the couple's children

The main dairy herd is of Old English Shorthorns that produce a milk naturally high in butterfat and omega 3 fatty acids which, though never pushed to increase output, produce what Ian describes as a satisfyingly high yield in relation to their feed.

The flock of hardy Hampshire Down sheep are well suited to the farm’s western climate and make an ideal grazing partner to the dairy herd. Finishing on the herb and flower rich meadows at Gazegill gives a very sweet meat.

A herd of very rare Oxford Sandy and Black pigs are, like all animals on the farm, allowed to mature at their naturally slow rate, enjoying an outside lifestyle that suits the breed ideally and results in a full flavour pork that Ian and Emma believe is a world away from their intensively reared counterparts.

The beautiful landscape in which Lower Gazegill Farm sits

An on-farm butchery cuts meat to customers’ requirements and the couple focus on using the highest quality ingredients to complement the quality of the meat that goes into their products, including their own sausages and burgers. A loyal customer base can buy direct from the farm every Saturday – at which time they are encouraged to meet the animals and see how they are reared for themselves.

With such an emphasis on the natural approach to farming, it’s no surprise that a project is underway to convert a farm building to a learning resource centre for use by schools, youth groups and families. Visitors can also enjoy walks through the stunning countryside, which gives them access to the wealth of history to be appreciated.

As well as supplying caterers in their area, Ian and Emma make regular visits to organic and farmers’ markets and an appearance by Emma on Paul O’Grady’s Channel Four show with pigs in tow did no harm for the farm’s profile!

Website: www.gazegillorganics.com (opens in a new window)

Tel: 01200 445312

Email: enquiries@gazegillorganics.co.uk

Address: Lower Gazegill Farm, Cross Hill Lane, Rimington, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 4EE