to generate more revenue ; however , the plan is to increase it again as they have a lot of high-quality grassland . They have also now put Highland cows on the Binchester land , and these will be purely grass-fed for tastier meat .

Julie and Gordon have always believed in encouraging young people in farming as they are the future . Tim is steadily more involved with the running of the farms and is hands-on as much as time will allow , he shares the same passion for the environment and will carry on the work Gordon and Julie have already done . To help at lambing time , they now use two very bright and committed shepherdesses - Becka Robson , who comes from a farming family in Weardale and was undertaking her second season

lambing at Ricknall ; she is very knowledgeable . Learning from Becka , is Katie Orme , who is mad keen and has a real natural touch with the lambs , as I witnessed when I visited Ricknall . Katy is a local lass from Aycliffe .

In 2014 The Auckland Project , founded by philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer , bought the complete Binchester Hall Farm site from the Church Commissioners . This was to further develop and preserve the historic part of the site , increase public footfall and revenue generation . Julie and Gordon are keen to play their part in the development , as well as maintaining the farming side . At the time of writing they are in the final stages of discussions with the Auckland Project to help deliver a development which will see the farm ’ s

history and regenerative food production celebrated , as well as enhancing the environment through habitat creation , creating nature trails and also ever popular farm visits for schools and groups .

Ricknall Grange and Binchester Hall Farm have a strong future , with a well set and working business plan . They continue to forge forward on an environmental front , being part of the Skerne Farming Facilitation Fund which helps groups of farmers , foresters and land managers improve the natural environment , an initiative by the Brightwater Landscape Partnership , Environment Agency , Natural England and Durham Wildlife trust . A Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme grant has been awarded to roof over an existing muck

midden to prevent nutrient run-off . All this , as well as continuing to work with Durham County Council on Binchester Roman Fort .

The environmental focus will ensure that both the large flocks of sheep and smaller cattle herds and B & B pigs will continue to produce superb well cared for animals and high-quality meat . Already they enjoy Farm Assured status for the Beef , Lamb and Pork , as well as RSPCA Freedom Foods assured status for Pork . I ’ ve no doubt there will be many more rosettes and awards to add to the many already adorning the office and front room at Ricknall . The farmed area now comprises over 800 acres . We wish Julie , Gordon , Tim , Jess and the team continued success .