East Mellwaters Farm

There are nearly 7 kilometres of footpaths within easy walking distance of Mellwaters Barn, designed not only for wheelchairs or ‘buggy’ use but to enable all our visitors to enjoy the magnificent views that we have from various points on the farm. Many visitors have found a morning or evening stroll either down to the River Greta or Sleightholme Beck very relaxing.

In addition points of historical interest with the remains of settlements dating back over several thousand years are clearly visible in certain lights. Also limestone paving is visible in the Sleightholme Beck, whilst the River Greta has the best example of a natural bridge (at God’s Bridge).

There are purpose built footpaths on the farm, including one up to God’s Bridge (the best example of a natural bridge in England), to enable all our visitors to enjoy the magnificent views that we have from various points on the farm. Other points of interest are the old lime kilns, and other settlements of archeological interest.

For lovers of birds we have a very wide variety of birds on the farm including waders such as common sandpiper, oystercatcher and redshank, warblers, pipits, woodpecker, kingfisher, dipper, heron etc. Birds that nest on the farm include curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, woodpecker, grey wagtail, swallow, house martin and of course the garden birds such as song thrush, blue tit, goldfinch etc. In all there are over 38 species of birds on our farm, the majority of those on the RSPB amber and red lists.

For botanists we have a good range of wildflowers in the hay meadows and pastures including the early purple orchid, yellow viola, violets especially at God’s Bridge, barren strawberry, dog rose, cowslips, marsh marigold, meadow sweet, meadow saxifrage, primrose, wild strawberry, wood anemone, cuckoo flower, foxgloves, lady’s bestraw, lady’s smock etc.

East Mellwaters is a commercial farm where we breed both cattle and sheep, spring is of course one of the most interesting times with approximately 500 lambs.