Hourne Farm is a family-run grass and woodland farm in the heart of the High Weald, East Sussex.

We raise rare-breed livestock at very low intensity, putting the welfare of our animals first at all times.  Our pigs, sheep, cattle and poultry are managed in ways that allow them to express natural behaviours, with access to pasture, woodland, and shelter appropriate to each species.  

Where supplementary feeding is required, we use organic feed and work with natural systems rather than against them — relying on grass, trees, soils, and seasonal rhythms instead of high inputs.  Our approach to farming is deliberately slow, extensive, and rooted in traditional land use.

Biodiversity is central to how we farm.  By integrating livestock with permanent pasture, hedgerows, and woodland, we aim to enhance habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife while maintaining the long-term health and resilience of the land.

Our farm is home to Tamworth pigs, Wiltshire Horn and Dorset Down sheep, White Park cattle, and Marsh Daisy and Light Sussex chickens.  All our bees are UK bred. 

Our rare-breed livestock are well suited to low-input, pasture and woodland based farming, and play an important role in looking after the land.  

Keeping rare breeds is also about conserving genetic diversity and farming heritage.  Many modern commercial animals have been bred for speed and uniformity; rare breeds retain hardiness, character, and traits shaped by centuries of traditional farming.  By keeping them in active use, we help ensure these qualities are not lost.

From time to time, we have meat boxes available for sale. 

If you are interested, please get in touch at info@hournefarm.co.uk