Latest news with #BeltedGalloway
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
Country diary: A test of patience here on the farm
At this time of year, the farmer must learn patience, as we wait for our belted galloway cows to calve. I'm impatient to see the colours and markings of the calves, and to know how many will be heifers and how many will be bulls. But I must wait. Three or four times a day, I make the short journey along to the Heart Wood pasture, underneath the distinctive heart-shaped wood visible from the M6 motorway, and stare at cows' tails and bottoms to see if there is any sign of calving. The hot weather has gone. I am wearing a woolly hat again and the fire is back on in the living room as well as the kitchen. Days are generally wet but not too wild; the grass is growing and the river is full. While I'm waiting, I have time to notice everything: what is flowering, the oystercatcher chicks in the grass and the swallows swooping over the river. It is too wet to sit in the grass, so I find a rock to sit on and watch the cows. People rush by on the motorway in their cars, and on the west coast mainline in their trains, unaware of the watching and waiting going on in the valley. We farm on both sides of the transport corridor here. The land on one side is in the Yorkshire Dales national park, the other in the Lake District national park. The strip in the middle with the motorway and railway is in neither. In about two years' time, eight bridges in our valley will be replaced. The bridge we go under multiple times a day to access bits of land will be lifted off and replaced. The motorway junction, and possibly our only shop and petrol station within six miles, will be closed for the duration of the works. The bridge that we go over into Tebay itself will be closed. Local people won't be able to get here to buy meat. My son's girlfriend will have an 18-mile diversion each way to milk her goats. Everyone in the valley will be inconvenienced. At the moment this feels as if it will make everyday life impossible for those who live and work here. Our MP, Tim Farron, has asked an urgent question about this in parliament. Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian's Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at and get a 15% discount
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Scotsman
The ultimate whisky loving literary guide to Scotland for foodies
Supplied - Alamy Stock Photo Travel back in time to when Robert Burns was a lad, and food miles and provenance weren't eco-friendly sustainability choices, but practical necessities. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In 18th century Scotland, the soil and the sea provided everything, and only highland, lowland or island dictated differences to the typical family's menu. With food sourced from nearby fields and rivers, or brought in by horse and cart, Scots ate local hearty food but without much sartorial flair; more clootie dumpling that haute cuisine. Despite this, there's an old Gaelic saying, 'S mairg a ni tarcuis air biadh', which means 'he who has a contempt for food is a fool'. In other words, tuck in and enjoy your grub! And where better to start a foodie tour of Scotland than the Bard's own stomping grounds of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire. Verdant countryside makes famous for its veg, but there's more to the south west of Scotland than tatties. Much of the region's popular produce hasn't changed much since Burns' day … tender Belted Galloway beef, scallops, mussels and cockles from the Solway Firth, salmon from the Cree, Nith or Bladnoch are hearty choices. Why not add Carrick, Barlocco Blue, Smoked Rainton Tomme or Crannog to your cheese board. Fresh soft fruits like raspberries and strawberries are a delight in the late spring and early summer. The Globe Inn The Globe Inn in Dumfries was the pub Robert Burns called 'his favourite howff'. Fraser Cameron, head chef at the Michelin listed 1610 restaurant has embraced the Bard's gusto for food with his own modern twist, making local food provenance a priority. 'Our menu has been designed to showcase the finest seasonal produce, highlighting the flavours of the South of Scotland. 'We've nurtured our relationships with local suppliers, ensuring that every ingredient arrives at our door at its absolute peak. Our aim is to let the inherent quality and character of these ingredients shine through in every single dish. 'We are also beginning to see the start of the work on our own kitchen garden pay off with a regular supply of fresh herbs, flowers and vegetables. There is an undeniable magic in the journey an ingredient takes when it's just a few short steps from our own kitchen garden to the pan. This isn't just about freshness; it's about vitality. When a herb is picked moments before it's used, it contributes a vibrancy and aromatic intensity that you simply cannot replicate. 'Our garden is our truest pantry, a living library of flavours that ensures every dish we craft is infused with life and immediacy. To truly understand the soul of a place, you must first taste its harvest. We don't see our menu as a simple list of dishes, but as a culinary storybook of the South of Scotland. 'Each ingredient, sourced from a trusted local supplier, is a character with its own distinct voice, carrying the authentic accent of our fields, rivers, and coastlines. Our mission is to present these local tastes honestly, allowing the land itself to tell its delicious tale.' Up into Ayrshire and nature's larder offers up a mix of land and sea, with fresh caught fish, Ayrshire bacon, new potatoes and locally grown veg real delicacies. Head up the coast, and don't forget to add a Nardini's ice cream from the seafront at Largs to your Scottish tick list. Recommended read for the South West · You'd be well advised to add a Burns compendium to your hand luggage, as any man who rates the haggis 'great chieftain o' the pudding race' knows his grub. We'd also recommend John Buchan's The 39 Steps (much of the action happens in the local rural D and G landscape) for a sense of historic holiday escapism. He also has a penchant for a dram when in desperate straits. West coast adventures Head on up past Loch Lomond and the delights of Argyll and the Isles' larder is yours to plunder. From Loch Fyne oysters to the ultimate in fast food takeaways – fresh mussels cooked to order in white wine on the harbour at Oban – this region is a gastronome's delight. Venison from deer roaming wild on the hills, cheeses and trout all add to the mix. Head any of the islands or ports and the catch of the day is often found on menu in the local restaurants, freshly prepared within hours of the trawler landing or the creel being emptied. There are plenty of distilleries (and breweries) to enjoy in the region, Fyne Ales near Inveraray does a good range of craft beers and lagers, and Isle of Bute gin is well worth a try. Recommended read for the west coast · The much-missed Denzil Meyrick created an engaging detective series set around a fictionalised Campbeltown. Start with the aptly named Whisky From Small Glasses, and raise a toast to the former cop-turned-distillery-manager-turned author who sadly left us this year. The North Coast 500 Not many tourists choose Scotland for the weather, but head up to Dornoch or Nairn on the Moray coast and you are likely to get some of the best weather around (and often far enough north to avoid the worst of the midges, too!) Of course, the region is synonymous with Instagram loving van-lifers and road-trippers now, but there's plenty to explore off that well beaten track. If you pass through Speyside on route you'll take advantage of a region that's home to roughly half of Scotland distilleries, many with fruity overtones as befits 'berry' country. Must tries for foodies in the region are Cullen Skink, which tastes way better than it sounds, and is a delicious creamy smoked fish soup. And every cuppa is made even better if it is accompanied by locally made buttery shortbread. Baxters soups and jams are a Deeside brand well worth embracing on your trip … in fact, their hampers are legendary, so organise a treat to greet you when you get back home, too. Arbroath smokies are also available by post, if that delicacy tempts your tastebuds so much you need to take some home. Take one of the many ferries to the islands and you'll discover one of Scotland's most fabulous whisky tales, made famous in the movie Whisky Galore. There's a bottle of the nectar on display in a museum in Lewis, while a pub on South Uist is named after the shipwreck itself, the SS Politician. Northern reads Of course, Compton Mackenzie's Whisky Galore is a must, but we'd also recommend Clare Russell's I Love Food, or Coinneach MacLeod's The Hebridean Baker. The Globe Inn Fife, Lothians and the Borders East Neuk of Fife shellfish is mouthwatering, and readily available in the many tiny harbour towns and villages as you travel down the east coast back towards Edinburgh, before completing your circuit of Scotland in the border towns. From the humble oat, introduced to Scotland by the Romans back in 600AD, and famously produced in Cupar by Scotts, you can magic up simple treats which have been powering people for generations like porridge or flapjacks. Or combine your love of whisky and oats in a delicious cranachan. Scotland's capital is home to every food and drink you could ever want, but gourmets will love the likes of Kitchin, Martin Wishart or the Witchery. Early advance booking is recommended. Our epicurean tour takes a sweet toothed turn as it heads back towards the border with England through Selkirk – don't forget to try the tea bread known as the bannock, via Gala for a Soor Ploom and its near neighbour the Hawick Ball, as beloved by rugby commentator Bill McLaren. If you've got a duty driver, head by The Borders Distillery or Glenkinchie (or ask for a driver's dram to go if you are behind the wheel). Two very distinct tastes, produced in such a small area. Don't miss a chance to pop into The Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum in Galashiels, which as well as featuring many of Scotland's historic moments and battles, features the bard himself. Our final read of the journey comes back to Burns. For Scottish travellers looking to explore their own country, Burns might well have had a road trip in mind when he wished for the gift 'see oursels as ithers see us'. Let his famous Selkirk Grace sign off as the gastronome's prayer. Some hae meat and canna eat, And some wad eat that want it, But we hae meat and we can eat, Sae let the Lord be Thankit!
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New group announces plans to restore iconic Dumfries and Galloway landmark
The Restoring Kelton Subgroup has been launched to give a fresh look to Kelton the Beltie in Castle Douglas. Plans are being made to restore an iconic Castle Douglas landmark. The Restoring Kelton Subgroup has been launched to give a fresh look to Kelton the Beltie – a three-metre tall willow sculpture of a Belted Galloway bull on market Hill. The artwork was created by Auchencairn artist Trevor Leat, who also made the statues for The Wickerman Festival with Alex Rigg. Kelton was originally commissioned for the Royal Highland Showcase and has since become a beloved local landmark and gateway to Galloway, representing both the strength of our agricultural roots and the character of our market food town. The subgroup is made up of representatives from the town's community council, Castle Douglas Development Forum, Men's Shed, Rotary, Forward Rotary, the common good sub committee and the place plan team. Local councillor and group member Pauline Drysdale said: 'This is more than just a restoration. Local artists Alex Rigg will work alongside Trevor Leat, to re-create Kelton on Market Hill, so we can all see them at work. 'We are also planning a community activity programme to include school and nursery pupils and a celebration to bring our community together over the summer. 'We are actively fundraising and we will publicly thank all sponsors and donors on a permanent plaque near the sculpture, as well as across social media and printed materials. 'This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of something meaningful and visible, right at the heart of Castle Douglas. If you'd like to support the project or would like more details I'd be delighted to speak to you.' Pledges have been received from local businesses, charities and societies, with the Belted Galloway Society donating £2,000. The group aims to raise around £5,000 extra to support a community programme and lights for the structure. Some funding will come through grants, which will be identified and managed by Castle Douglas Development Forum on behalf of the Restoring Kelton Subgroup. Councillor Drysdale added: 'Many thanks for all pledges so far. Do please contact myself should you like join any of our meetings or should you wish to contribute. We next meet at The Mad Hatter on June 4 at 7pm. All welcome.' There are plans for community events celebrating the story of the Belted Galloway and its importance to the agricultural economy, as well as a public celebration bringing the community together around Kelton. Community willow weaving, arts and crafts workshops and willow talks and demonstrations are also in the works.
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Our Yorkshire Farm star Reuben Owen's family wish as he finds perfect match
Amanda and Clive Owen's son, Reuben Owen, has come a long way from his TV debut as a youngster. The Mirror spoke to the 21-year-old about life in the Yorkshire Dales today and his rather unusual ideal date Reuben Owen and Jessica Ellwood are far from your average 21-year-olds. Reuben, who like his eight siblings grew up on smash hit 5 documentary Our Yorkshire Farm, says his ideal date involves his digger and it seems he's found his perfect match. Jess hails from a farming family eight miles away from Ravenseat, the isolated farm Reuben grew up on with his shepherdess mother Amanda, 50, and her ex-husband Clive, 70. Viewers will meet her on new 5 series Reuben Owen: My Yorkshire Life, which focuses on his plant hire business. And it seems she is thoroughly on board when it comes to his passion for machinery. "I could work with you all day in any sort of environment," said the smitten Yorkshireman as he sat down for his first joint interview with his equally in love other half. "Last weekend we were felling trees. In terms of our hobbies, I think digging. Jess is very good on the digger. She's better at driving a digger than I am milking cows." Talented Jess, who describes herself as a "proper homebird", rides and drives horses for a hobby and by day she works on her family's beef and dairy farm, milking 90 cows and looking after a herd of 15 Belted Galloway cows and 350 sheep on the fells. "I've loved animals since I was small," she said. "I always knew what I wanted to do. At my school's careers evening I walked in, put my name down for agricultural college and walked out." The couple met by chance at the night do of the Westmorland County Show, known locally as the Kendal Show, an annual event celebrating agricultural life across the border in Cumbria. "I was working on Stainmore (an area on the Yorkshire/Cumbria border) with one of my mates on the digger and he asked me if I fancied coming to the show's night do," said Reuben. "I turned up and somehow managed to get talking to Jess and it went from there. It's the biggest stroke of luck ever - I never really went to show night dos, it was just by chance I ended up at one. "We got talking about sheep and cows, I managed to pretend I knew something about cows, she probably thought I was talking utter rubbish. We just got talking and never really stopped." "He's very handsome and we just got on really well, we clicked," added Jess. "We have similar interests." Eight months on, to maximise the time the busy young couple are able to spend together, Reuben helps Jess complete milking at her farm and in return she helps him at the quarry. "I still do a little bit on my family's farm but now my brothers have gotten older they do the main bulk of the farming and I concentrate on the digging and groundwork," he said, of his famous family abode which is home to around 1,100 sheep. "But recently I've found myself doing a lot more farmwork..." "Jess is absolutely gorgeous and great to be with, I love spending time with her whatever we're doing," added Reuben. "Her family are a lovely bunch, they're great and look after me so well." The 21-year-old has previously appeared in Reuben: Life in the Dales and Beyond the Yorkshire Farm: Reuben & Clive. Viewers of the new series can expect to see the young businessman and his team, made up of pals Capper, Sonny and Tommy with brothers Miles and Sidney helping too, tackle a variety of jobs with their heavy machinery. We will also witness Reuben trying a very old-fashioned pastime, Tug Of War, which is popular with young farmers. And while he displays some impressive brute strength, it doesn't sound like this is an activity he'll be repeating. "It took me a week to recover from that," he laughed. "I felt like I'd been run over." Unsurprisingly, while many 21 year olds want a big party for their landmark birthdays, traditional Reuben had different ideas about how to celebrate his big day in November. "Jess and I were looking at my vintage tractors, which she doesn't have a lot of faith in," he said. "We went round and there were maybe eight in the shed. I told her what was wrong with them all and we decided we were going to drive seven of them from our house to fish and chips at Whitby." Reuben's workmates, brothers and Jess joined him for the epic three day, 80-mile adventure, to the North Yorkshire coast, praying the vintage machines would hold up. "It was a really fun way to spend my 21st birthday and quite inexpensive," he said. "We had plenty of disasters along the way, I went up Sutton Bank and my tractor threw all its water out and overheated. We had to put a new head gasket on it in the car park, the engine on it had come to bits. "We managed to find a gasket at a garage a few miles away and we resealed it between us. It was an adventure. We had cake on the beach." The machinery wizard's immense knowledge comes mainly from his father Clive who like his hill-farmer mother Amanda remains on hand to advise him. "I've been through college and I don't know anyone with the knowledge Reuben has," said Jess. "He learned from such a young age." "I speak to a lot of young people and try to encourage them to have a go," added Reuben. "I remember dad sitting me on the digger when I was really small. It's nice to think we're in a place with the business now where my brothers can be involved and make a few quid out of it. We've got a really good team of lads on with us." Reuben's parents famously split up a few years ago, after 22 years of marriage. Amanda and Clive later reunited to co-parent their children - Raven, 23, Reuben, Miles, 18, Edith, 16, Violet, 14, Sidney, 13, Annas, 11, Clemmy, nine, and Nancy, eight - and recently teamed up for series two of Channel 4's Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, which sees them breathing new life into a derelict farmhouse. Reuben has been on TV since he was six or seven - or as he puts it "so long ago now, I can hardly remember" - and says the cameras have never really made a difference to his life. "The hardest time of year is winter, when the ground gets soft and boggy and we're always getting stuck and there's a camera there," he laughed. "We're good friends with the crew and it seems to be whenever something goes wrong, there's a camera." "Round here everyone just knows me as someone that's always riding around in a battered pick up," he added. "When you get a bit further afield, people tend to want selfies, it's sweet. You don't realise until you get away from here how many people watch it and enjoy the programme." Reuben may be one of nine siblings, with Jess in the middle of three sisters but both say a family as big as the Owens isn't on the cards. "Not after Easter Sunday - we took my siblings and your younger sister to a classic fair and I don't think I've ever been so stressed in my life," he said. "There were six kids, we picked up some more, their friends turned up and I was left with them all. I was so stressed, in the crowds of people. Given my attention span, I don't want that many."
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This 300-acre former farm has undergone a transformation in response to 'catastrophic' fears: 'We need to take what action we can'
Former farmland on England's eastern coast is being rewilded to welcome a wide array of flora and fauna. The BBC reported that all 289 acres of Martlesham Wilds Nature Reserve were an organic farm a few years ago. Today, it's owned by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, a charity dedicated to helping nature flourish. The organization purchased the land in 2023, and rewilding efforts are fully underway. Martlesham Wilds sits beside the Deben Estuary in Suffolk. It's home to many habitats, such as grazing marshes, salt marshes, woodlands, and reedbeds. As the land returns to its natural state, several species have made homes there. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. SWT introduced Herdwick sheep and Belted Galloway cattle to the grazing marsh. These animals will improve the plant diversity and invite more critters. Creatures like wading birds, wildfowl, and woodlarks can thrive surrounded by this diverse flora. Jessica Ratcliff, the reserve's warden, highlighted the beauty and importance of encouraging biodiversity. She told BBC, "It's such a lovely diversity of habitat, providing the connectivity that's so important when restoring habitats." Without biodiversity, humans and most other species would not survive. The human population relies heavily on pollinators, small creatures that are responsible for reproducing numerous food crops and flowering plants. Preserving natural wetlands and grasslands also reduces flooding, protecting homes from water damage. Pollution, deforestation, expanding agriculture, and other manmade problems threaten biodiversity. However, conservation and rewilding efforts can counteract species decline. Ratcliff told the BBC that there's a "decline across the board in terms of birds, insects, and mammals," adding that "we are seeing precipitous declines, an average of 70% across insect species." She explained the ramifications: "This could be catastrophic, so we need to take what action we can and bolster populations to give them safe havens and stop decline becoming extinction." Luckily, places like Martlesham Wilds only need a little nudge. Michael Strand from SWT explained that they want to intervene as little as possible. "We're allowing nature to show what it wants to be in whatever place," he said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
