THE
VALLEY
The Dillay is a hidden microcosm, a blend of woodland, water and pasture that's been here for centuries. Its deep valleys are fringed with the tree boughs of climbing woodland - the name Dillay itself is mysterious but comes perhaps from the old English for branch (telg) or pot/tile (tigel) and for woodland clearing (leah). The farm is alive with springs which spill down to the valley bottoms, feeding the Dillay Brook and its alder and willow. These valleys are steep and rugged, so unsuitable for arable farming, but perfect for our hardy small Dexter cattle. The beech woods were bare hills over a century ago, grazed by sheep, but now they're majestic. It feels timeless here. The place quietly asks you to slow down and pay attention.
DEXTER
Dexters are incredible little characters. They're the smallest breed of cattle native to the British Isles, so they tread - relatively! - lightly and love to graze and forage on all terrain and in all weather. They're true community animals. Watching them interact is endlessly fascinating! They groom each other, babysit calves, scold the upstart yearlings, play, and generally look after one another. We let them live longer, more natural lives. Our stock animals do not leave us until they are at least four years of age, twice as long as the average herd, which is quite rare in modern UK farming. The longer and richer life they lead, the better the marbling of the beef and the richer its taste. It's slower, yes, but it's more pleasant for them and us - and the beef is phenomenal.
NURTURING THE VALLEY
Nurturing the valley goes hand in hand with nurturing the herd. Their gentle, rotational grazing maintains this landscape, spreading life while allowing native grasses and wildflowers space and time to compete and recover. We are contributing by planting and guarding hedgerows, restoring the original orchard, scraping out natural ponds and protecting the wetlands, among other endeavours.
SHARING THE BOUNTY
The Dillay is rooted in the rhythms of the valley, its seasons, its wildlife, and its quiet abundance. We work carefully and sustainably with the land to share its bounty with you.
From rich venison and Dexter-breed meat to small-batch blackberry jam and creamy honey gathered from our bees, everything comes from these pastures and these woods.
Our produce is made with care and intention, honouring what the valley gives and ensuring there is more to come, year after year.
SHARING INSPIRATION
The Dillay is a place of observation and inspiration as much as it is a farm. Whether through a treasured box of beef, a gorgeous jar of honey, or in the future time spent at our artist’s retreat, we hope the Dillay can inspire others as much as it inspires us every day.
As part of this vision, we collaborate with Cotswold-based makers and artists to create beautiful applied arts; ceramics, woodwork, and more, often crafted using natural materials found on the land. These unique pieces connect the farm to the hands and imagination of those who work with it.
We are also in the process of restoring Rosie’s Cottage, a peaceful space nestled in the heart of the valley. Once complete, it will become a retreat for artists, a place to stay, reflect, and create, drawing directly from the quiet beauty and wonder of the Dillay and its environs.