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 Roundoak  & Kings Oak unique rare breed farms in the

Garden of England, Kent.

Roundoak Rare Breeds
ROUNDOAK

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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

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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.

Meet our
Highlanders

Are you looking for a unique countryside experience with some of the most iconic and beautiful cattle in the world?

Highland Calf
Meet a Highlander
Highland cow
Highland Cow
Highland Cow
Highland Cow
Highland Cow
Highland Cow
Highland Cow

​Roundoak Farm in Sutton Valence offers you the chance to get up close and personal with our magnificent Highland Cows!

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What to Expect Join us for a fun and educational

 

"Meet a Highland Cow" experience, where you can:

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Meet our Herd:

Spend time with our gentle Highland cows, known for their long horns, shaggy coats, and friendly nature. 

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Learn About the Breed:

Discover the fascinating history of these ancient Scottish cattle and how they are cared for at

Roundoak Farm.

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Hands-On Interaction:

Feed, pet, and take photos with these wonderful animals, while learning about their personalities and behaviours from our knowledgeable staff.

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Explore the Farm: Take a guided tour of our scenic rare breed farm, where you'll see our other animals and learn about our sustainable farming practices. This can be a fun experience in our fun off-road buggy's 

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Experience Highlights Perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a rural escape.

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Unique photo opportunities with these photogenic, friendly cattle.

Learn firsthand about Highland cattle and their importance in conservation.

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Booking Information

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Roundoak Farm, Sutton Valence, Kent

Availability: Weekends and weekdays (by appointment)

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Price: £60 

An experience you wont forget 

Meet our Highlanders

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Cuddles with a Highlander

OUR STOCK

We work hard and are passionate about our rare breeds

Stay on the farm

Roundoak and Kings Oak are certified campsites
Offering 'off-grid' and electric pitches 
Adults Only

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Sponsor a Highland Cow

Are you passionate about animal conservation and want to support the preservation of these breeds? Now you can be part of our efforts by sponsoring one of our majestic Highland Cows at Roundoak Farm, Sutton Valence!

Weddings and Events

LATEST NEWS

For our latest news please click below to be taken to our latest blogs. 

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In December 2020 Norman and Ruth at Roundoak were visited by ITV's Love Your weekend see below the segment. 

FRIENDS OF ROUNDOAK

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