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The Dove Valley Centre
Make the most of the Peak District National Park
Contact Details
Elspeth/Paul Walker
Under Whitle Farm,
Dove Valley Centre,
Sheen,
Nr Hartington,
Buxton,
Derbyshire,
SK17 0PR
01298 83282
About Us and our Traditional Working Farm in the Peak District
Under Whitle is an upland family farm of 50 acres where we have lived for nearly 30 years and this year we are looking forward to showing our one year old grand daughter the delights of the farm. Our three children - Steven, Alex and Sarah - are 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. During 2009 they all were involved in the development of the Haybarn Studio with Alex carrying out the joinery and designing and making the kitchen, Steven on the earth moving and excavations for the ground source heat pump and Sarah with the decoration- together we’re a good team!
The Haybarn Studio was converted from the old stone Haybarn and was a labour of love carried out through the freezing cold winter of 2008/9 and completed in the sunshine of July. It was so cold in January that the JCB tracks froze to the ground and work was halted until it thawed. But we are pleased with how it looks and fits with the existing barns and of the new facilities it provides for our workshops. We are pleased too with its eco features, especially the ground source heat pumps that provides the hot water and heating for all the buildings.
The farm is the site of an ancient settlement and has been in agricultural use since at least 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 farmhouses once stood - there is tangible evidence of one farm house as the vaulted cellar still remains. Overlooking it all from across the river Dove are the remains of the Norman motte and bailey castle of Pilsbury built by William de Ferrers around 1080
We established the Dove Valley Centre in 2001 when the farm buildings became redundant and since then it has 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 - this year they are expecting their first baby. We’ve had lots of people celebrating special event here this last year including birthdays and anniversaries.
Our farm land is grazed by cattle and sheep and we have wildflower meadows that provide them with hay during the winter, woodlands that provide us with fuel for the wood burners, and wetlands and ponds for our visitors to explore.
Wildlife and Wild Flowers in the Peak District
Our ecological land management has increased the range of wildlife. Nesting birds include curlews, green and great-spotted woodpeckers, tawny and little owls and Barn owls as well as moorhens. Brown hares, badgers and foxes are regular visitors too. Over 120 species of flowers and grasses are found on the farm.
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.
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 recognising how we manage and protect the environment.
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, Elspeth and Sarah
