STONETHWAITE FARM

BORROWDALE

THE FARM

ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

VISITORS

ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

Stonethwaite Beck runs through the middle of the farm’s in-bye ground as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.

Stonethwaite Woods (situated on the south western edge of the farm) and Lodore-Troutdale Woods (north of Rosthwaite to the east of the B5289) are also SSSI’s and, in part, are a Special Area of Conservation.

GEOLOGY

Stonethwaite Farm falls within the Silurian outcrops of Cumbria, specifically the Borrowdale Volcanic Series.

SOIL TYPE(S)

The soils in Borrowdale are all rather poor and acid, because of very high rainfall during the last ten thousand years. This has leached out soluble mineral elements such as calcium.

FAUNA

There are Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Merlins and Red squirrels.

FLORA

Within the semi-improved grassland, there are: Common bent with Yorkshire Fog, Perrenial Rye Grass, Soft Rush (below Frith Wood), Cuckoo Flower, Marshbedstraw, Marsh Ragwort, Spearwort, Meadowsweet, Great bird’s foot, Trefoil, March Violet, Sneezewort, Betony, Great Burnet, Wild Angelica and Purple Moor Grass.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Stonethwaite Farm has numerous sites of archaeological significance present; within the medieval period (1066-1539) are a silage clamp and within the post-medieval period (1540-1900) are a stable, two barns, a bull pen, a store, and a shed.

HEDGEROWS

Around 200 metres of hedges carefully managed by the National Trust to benefit the landscape and wildlife.

DRY STONE WALLS

The majority of the field boundaries are stonewalls and are in good order; Nick Gill restores about 20 metres of wall a year.

VERNACULAR BUILDINGS & FEATURES

The farm is a mid 17th century house which was extended around 1800. It has white wash rendered walls and a slate roof. The house sits on the north east side of the village and is the one remaining working farmhouse within the village. The house retains many of its original features and is Grade II Listed.

Other traditional buildings are Grade II Listed and include three traditional barns used for storage and hay lofts; loose boxes, and a cow byre.

INCOME AND PAYMENTS

Over 60% of Stonethwaite Farm’s income is dependent on visitors (Bed & Breakfast and Campsite). The remainder is derived from livestock and from Single Farm Payment and ESA payments.