The Dove Valley Centre
Make the most of the Peak District National Park
Under Whitle is an upland family farm of 50 acres where we have lived for over 25 years. Our three children - Steven, Alex and Sarah - are now grown up, but return often to help us. Alex has made the kitchens and much of the furniture, Steve helps with the landscaping and repairs the vehicles and Sarah is more involved in the domestic side of the business. Together we’re a good team!
The farm is an ancient settlement and has been in agricultural use since early medieval times. As we walk across our fields we are constantly reminded of this by the remnants of ridge and furrows left by ploughing with oxen. Ancient banks reveal old field boundaries and trackways. Flattened areas show where other houses once stood. Overlooking it all from across the river Dove are the remains of the Norman motte and bailey castle of Pilsbury.
We established the Dove Valley Centre in 2001 when the farm buildings became redundant and it has since been enjoyed by many groups and families, many of whom we have got to know well. In fact one of our earliest visitors got engaged at the stepping stones across the river near the farm and last year we were invited to their wedding.
In season, the land is grazed by cattle and sheep. The River Dove borders the farm; there are also wildflower meadows, woodlands, wetlands and ponds for visitors to explore.
Management of the land is under the terms of an Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme and both farm and business have gained Peak District Environmental Quality Marks.
Courses
In addition to the self-catering accommodation, we run arts and environmental courses. For these, we employ artists, naturalists and other professionals and work in partnership with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and a variety of charities, schools and community groups.
There are two new courses this year: making hedgerow baskets; and bushcraft and wildfoods. .
Wildlife
Our ecological land management has increased the range of wildlife. Nesting birds include curlews, green and great-spotted woodpeckers, tawny and little owls, and moorhens. Brown hares, badgers and foxes are regular visitors. An increasing number of families come to our annual Big Bird, Bug, Beast and Botany Hunt, which is free and open to all. In partnership with SWT, field naturalists lead activities on habitats around the farm. Any discoveries are added to our species list. In 2007 these included the wonderfully named Middle-barred Minor, Map-winged Swift and Setaceous Hebrew Character (all night-flying moths) and several large areas of the fairly uncommon Adder’s - Tongue Fern.
Extended Workshop Facilities
A further barn conversion is planned. This will provide dedicated space for courses and other events in an environmentally sustainable setting, with a geothermal heating system.
Very Local Produce
Local produce can be delivered by Peak District Fine Foods to coincide with guests’ arrivals. Our seasonal produce includes eggs from free-range hens and organically grown vegetables, blackcurrants and apples. Another EQM holder (Daisy Bank Apiary) keeps some of his hives here, so honey also is available.
Paul and Elspeth Walker