We hear from John & Helen Bell, Willows Flock, Richmond, North Yorkshire about how the breed is working for them.

The Role of Hampshire Down Sheep in Our Regenerative Farming Journey
When John and Helen Bell founded CB Farms 13 years ago, their goal was to create a farming system that honoured their roots while innovating for the future. John’s deep connection to native breed sheep, stemming from his farming upbringing, played a key role in the decision to choose Hampshire Down sheep as the cornerstone of their flock. Today, these sheep form an integral part of our regenerative farming practices and contribute significantly to the ethos of sustainable agriculture.
A Native Breed at the Heart of the Farm
Initially, CB Farms began with a small flock of pedigree Hampshire Down ewes, lambing in December. To complement this, we also ran a Hampshire tup over a crossbred white-faced flock that lambed in March. Over time and pre covid, the pedigree flock expanded to 40 ewes. Their adaptability and robustness have proven invaluable, enabling us to grow our farm while maintaining the health and productivity of our pastures.
The Farm-to-Fork Journey
To preserve the provenance and quality of our pedigree livestock, including Hampshire Downs, Hereford and Belted Galloway cattle, and Berkshire pigs, we founded the Tunstall Meat Company (TMC). This sister company allowed us to connect directly with consumers, sharing the story behind our native breeds and emphasizing the value of sustainable, locally sourced meat.
Megan Mulholland, our farm manager, has been the driving force behind CB Farms’ strategy, ensuring that our farm-to-fork approach not only delivers exceptional quality but also highlights the importance of regenerative farming. Through Tunstall Meat Company, we gained insights into what the British public values in a butcher’s shop: quality, traceability, and authenticity.
This farm-to-fork approach became a defining aspect of our business. It grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as home deliveries surged, putting increased demand on the farm. Meeting this demand required innovative thinking, leading us to explore regenerative farming methods.
Embracing Regenerative Agriculture
Our journey into regenerative farming began with a collective reading of Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown. Inspired by Brown’s principles, we started experimenting with practices such as removing hard feed from both sheep and cattle, planting herbal leys, incorporating forage crops, and trialling bale grazing during winter. While not all experiments succeeded, we embraced the learning process, which led to significant improvements in soil health, pasture diversity, and livestock wellbeing.
Today, CB Farms is certified by Pasture for Life for both sheep and cattle, ensuring that our livestock consume only grass or conserved forage throughout their lives. Achieving this certification requires meticulous grazing management, diversified pasture planning, and deferred grazing systems to sustain our ewes during winter. These methods align with Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes, enhancing our farm’s environmental and economic sustainability.

Hampshire Downs: A Perfect Fit
While experimenting with different sheep breeds, including Romneys reputed for their ability to convert grass efficiently, we found that nothing outperformed the Hampshire Down ewes. Their exceptional ability to maintain body condition during challenging periods and their lower propensity for triplets have allowed us to phase out concentrate feeding before lambing. This, combined with their rapid finishing rates, makes them ideal for our system.
In recent years, we transitioned to spring lambing, with ewes lambing outdoors. This shift has significantly reduced lambing issues compared to indoor systems. The Hampshire Down lambs, known for their vigour and efficiency, provide a steady supply of meat for TMC throughout the year. Our pedigree flock has now grown to nearly 70 ewes, reflecting their value in our regenerative approach.
Sustainable Farming with Hampshire Down Sheep
Hampshire Down sheep have proven to be more than just a breed choice; they are a key component of our farm’s success. Their grass-conversion efficiency, adaptability, and resilience align perfectly with our regenerative practices. As we continue to refine our systems, Hampshire Downs remain at the heart of our mission to farm sustainably, improve soil health, and provide high-quality, ethically produced meat to our customers.
A Partnership for the Future
The partnership between CB Farms and Tunstall Meat Company embodies a commitment to sustainable agriculture and local sourcing. Thanks to necessity, the mother of all invention, we have developed innovative farming practices that showcase the value of regenerative agriculture. Together, we’re shaping a future where farming respects both the land and the communities it serves.
John and Helen Bell’s vision for CB Farms has always been rooted in tradition, innovation, and respect for the land. Hampshire Down sheep have been, and continue to be, an essential part of that story, perfectly embodying the values of provenance, sustainability, and quality. Through the efforts of our team, we remain committed to delivering exceptional products that reflect the integrity of our farming practices.