The White Park is a very old breed of beef cattle, kept in Britain for more than 2000 years but which is now rare. Legend has it, and there are many legends attached to the White Park,  thatWhite Parks may be the only genetic link back to the Auroc of ancient times, and they are believed to be closely descended from Britain’s original wild white cattle that were enclosed in parks by the nobility during the middle ages. By the end of the 19th century, such parks had largely gone out of fashion and the breed struggled to survive till 1973 when the Rare Breeds Survival Trust was formed and chose the White Park as its logo. From around 60 animals left in the breed at that time, the numbers have grown so that there are now more than 450 adult breeding cows. 

The Dexter breed is the smallest British breed of cattle and originated in the South Western region of Ireland. They are descended from the predominately black cattle of the early Celts. Dexter cattle were first introduced into England in 1882 and produce incredible milk and beef.

The Aberdeen-Angus breed was developed in the early part of the 19th century from the polled and predominantly black cattle of North east Scotland known locally as “doddies” and “hummlies”.  We use a home bred Native Angus bull (Valentine Perseus, or Percy to his friends) who, apart from being incredibly handsome, produces some of the best beef in existence.

One of Britain's oldest, most distinctive, and best known breeds, with a long, thick, flowing coat of rich hair and majestic sweeping horns, the Highlander has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Written records go back to the 18th century and the Highland Cattle Herd Book, first published in 1885, lists pedigrees since that time.

Britain's rarest breed pig.  The British Lop is unique in being the only native British pig breed to maintain its own independent breed society dedicated to looking after its interests and fostering its development.  The British Lop is a large docile, lop eared, multi-purpose pig. A very hardy breed they can be kept outdoors all year round.  The purebred is suitable for both pork and bacon production.

The British Saddleback is a hardy breed. The black pigmentation is protection against sunburn and Saddlebacks exist is hotter climates than Britain such as Australia. As a breed it is better suited to extensive farming than intensive and can thrive in outdoor systems.British Saddleback meat is robustly excellent, succulent, flavoursome and with crackling to die for. It carries some extra fat but that is necessary to baste the meat while it cooks to give flavour and succulence.

Every year Northfield Farm takes some orphan lambs.  They are hand reared and are bouncing about on the grass in the courtyard until they are old enough to go out into the field.  This year we took in a number of orphan or 'cade' lambs who joined our small herd of Jacobs and spent Easter being fussed upon by many children in the courtyard.  You can now see them in the field as you approach the farm. See the 'Awards' section for our success with lamb in the 2011 Great Taste Awards.

Jimmy is about as rare a Donkey as you can get, in character, if not necessarily in breeding. Jimmy has no idea that he is a Donkey. He will shout at you to come over to talk to him and to rub his shoulder and he will shout at you again should you dare walk away.

Billy was purchased or 'rescued' from Melton Mowbray Market at the age of 6 months. He is a little terror and does sometimes nip, but he is really happiest having his back rubbed or teasing Jimmy.

Kaiser, Zebedee & friends came to Northfield Farm as they could no longer be looked after by their previous owners. We do take in some young kid goats from time to time which are a by-product of the goats cheese industry.

Like the Pygmies, Bubba and Lionel are not for human consumption. They came from the same farm as Jimmy. They do have one very real role in life as they protect our sheep from foxes and badgers. I had heard tales of this but not really seen any proof of it until one evening hearing the most awful growling and screeching noise, I ran out to the field and saw the two Llamas flying across the horizon after the rapidly disappearing fox which must have been aiming to have lamb for supper.

In our little Pets Corner you will meet our Rabbits and Guinea Pigs.  Due to a slight oversight we have lots of baby bunnies at the moment!  If you could offer one a loving home please do speak to us.

Eric really rules the roost at Northfield. He has his own unofficial fan club and must be one of the coolest cats in existence. Eric is a very elderly gentleman, but he comes to life at the sight of game hanging and can de-breast a bird faster and more accurately than most butchers! Eric still considers the restaurant here to be his old barn, so it is difficult to persuade him otherwise. The vast majority of our customers insist on him being let in, so do let us know if you have an issue with cats.

Rosie is a soppy girl who loves a fuss! Like most Labradors, she is really a pig in dog's clothing and she breaks out of the garden at any opportunity to scavenge around and especially loves to share the pig food. Despite her amiablility Rosie is very protective of Northfield and all who live here.

Holly is Leo's girl, she goes everywhere with him!
She came form a local rescue home many years ago.
She is grumpy but indefatiguable.
She guards the house and vehicles with all her heart.

Northfield Farm has always had chickens.  We have a small flock of birds including 2 cockerels and a Legbar which produces beautiful pale blue eggs.