Roundoak Rare Breed
Roundoak Rare Breed
Roundoak Rare Breed
Roundoak Rare Breed
.jpg)
Roundoak & Kings Oak unique rare breed farms in the
Garden of England, Kent.
A message from Norman and Ruth
Roundoak is set in the heart of the Kentish countryside, south of the county town of Maidstone, on the southerly slopes of the Greensand Ridge overlooking the beautiful weald of Kent.
The mainly grassland farm now consists of approximately 180 acres including 5 acres of natural oak woodland at Sutton Valence, and a further 70 acres just a mile or so away at Kings Oak Farm in Ulcombe. The farm also conservation graze approximately 1200 acres throughout central Kent.
Hebridean Sheep are unusual in this part of the South East but, it was the idea of Norman and Ruth Coles to purchase a flock of 16 ewes and Winkwell Falco the ram and breed them in Kent. The sheep were purchased on the Borders of Scotland and England from a hill farm near the Kielder Forest in Cumbria. Our first lambing season in spring 2005 produced 32 lambs from the 16 ewes, we had two sets of triplets, some twins and a few singles. All mothers lambed themselves outdoors without intervention.
2015 was an exciting year at Roundoak. The farm obtained planning permission for a permanent dwelling, which is now completed, and Ruth and Norman moved in in November the same year.
The flock of Hebridean Ewes and Rams continues to grow and at its peek during the year numbers stand at over 700. The Highland cattle fold has also continued to grow since the farm acquired the stock from the well-known Frith Manor Farm fold at Lingfield. In 2021 our cattle numbers stand at in excess of 130 cows, calves and bulls. Both Samuel of Pollock and Victor of Earn our two Highland bulls have moved on, and we were proud to purchase a bull from Her Majesty the Queen at Balmoral Castle. Her Stockman Dochy Ormiston found us 'The Duke of Balmoral and further cattle, including heifers and another bull, 'The Prince of Balmoral', came to the farm in 2018 and has since moved on to a new home, but the Duke remains the farms Highland stock bull. The farm continues to have a more commercial herd of Sussex cattle, with a pedigree bull that was acquired from the Mayfield herd of pedigree Sussex Cattle. ‘The Captain’ arrived, in 2017 at Round Oak after winning 1st prize at the Edenbridge and Oxted Show. In May 2018, the first Sussex calves were born and 'The Captain' continues to serve the heifers.
Round Oak and Kings Oak farm's continues to broaden our rare breed population. We have a thriving herd of White Park cattle that came from Chirk castle in North Wales; these heifers were joined by a pedigree bull call "Wentworth", through the farms connection with the Rare Breed Survival Trust. We also run an endangered Vaynol cattle from the borders of Scotland. The Vaynol breed is closely linked to the White Park breed.
The farm also introduced some very rare breed Boreray Sheep and North Ronaldsays, probably the rarest breeds in the UK.
It is hoped the introduction of these extremely endangered breeds will gather public awareness especially if they are seen around the South East conservation grazing
Kent's Home to Highland Cows
CLIMB ABOARD. MEET THE HERD. EXPERIENCE THE REAL FARM.
A safari-style buggy tour through the heart of our working Highland cattle farm.
Go beyond the farm gate and meet the herd.
Climb aboard one of our farm buggies for a guided safari-style tour across Roundoak and Kings Oak Farm—a genuine working farm in the heart of the Kent countryside.
Travel into the fields among our magnificent Highland cattle, meet the personalities within the fold and discover the history, care and character of this remarkable breed. Every visit follows the natural rhythm of the farm, so no two experiences are exactly the same.
MORE THAN HIGHLAND CATTLE
Depending on where our livestock are grazing, you may also meet our rare Albion and Vaynol cattle—extraordinary native breeds included on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist.
You’ll learn why these animals are so important and how our breeding and conservation work is helping to protect their future.
MAKE AN AFTERNOON OF IT
Complete your visit with afternoon tea in our rustic Yard Bar. After your buggy safari, relax and enjoy a memorable end to your countryside experience.
Perfect for animal lovers, birthdays, special occasions or an unforgettable gift.
YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
• A one-hour private guided Highland Cow experience
• A safari-style farm-buggy tour
• Fascinating stories about our cattle and working farm
• An introduction to our rare-breed conservation work
• Memorable countryside photography opportunities
• Optional afternoon tea in the Yard Bar
Our experiences are animal-led, and livestock welfare always comes first. Close contact and petting cannot be guaranteed.
Location: Roundoak Farm, Sutton Valence, Kent
Availability: Weekdays and weekends by appointment
Prices: From £85
COME FOR THE HIGHLAND COWS. LEAVE WITH A STORY.
BOOK YOUR HIGHLAND COW SAFARI
An experience you wont forget
Meet our Highlanders
Discover our breeding program
At Roundoak and Kings Oak Farms, we are passionately committed to preserving some of the UK and Ireland's most endangered and ancient cattle breeds. Our rare breed, breeding program focuses on Vaynol, White Park, and Irish Moiled cattle—each of which plays a critical role in the rich agricultural heritage of Britain and Ireland. As these breeds face declining numbers, our program is dedicated to increasing their populations, promoting genetic diversity, and ensuring their survival for future generations.
OUR STOCK
We work hard and are passionate about our rare breeds
LATEST NEWS
For our latest news please click below to be taken to our latest blogs.
In December 2020 Norman and Ruth at Roundoak were visited by ITV's Love Your weekend see below the segment.
FRIENDS OF ROUNDOAK
Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers.