Our Piggies

Rare Breed Heroes: Oxford Sandy and Black
At Lower Blakemere Farm, our pigs are more than just a rare breed—they’re living proof that farming with nature can benefit both animals and the land. Our Oxford Sandy and Black pigs are one of the oldest pig breeds in Britain and distant cousins of the famous Diddly Squat Farm pigs from Jeremy Clarkson’s fields. But our piggies? They’ve got their own story to tell.

Why Oxford Sandy and Black?
This breed has been around since the 18th century. Once close to extinction, the Oxford Sandy and Black is a resilient, robust pig that thrives in an outdoor setting—just as pigs should. These pigs are perfectly adapted to life in the fresh air, foraging for acorns and blackberries as they clear the bank along our farm.

Outdoor Pigs vs. Intensive Farming
Let’s talk about the difference. Our pigs live outdoors, where they’re free to roam, root, and forage. The result? Happier, healthier pigs, with richer, more flavourful meat. In contrast, intensive indoor farming means there’s less opportunity to roam, and their diet is controlled and limited. Our pigs are doing what they do best: working the land and eating what nature provides.

Here at Lower Blakemere, our pigs contribute to the health of the farm. Their rooting behaviour helps aerate the soil, their foraging habits control unwanted growth, and their manure nourishes the earth. The aim is to farm regeneratively and try and work in harmony with animals and the land, not against it.

A Pig’s Life at Lower Blakemere
When pigs live like pigs—outdoors, foraging, and expressing their natural behaviours—it’s better for the animals, better for the land, and ultimately, better for all of us. This isn’t just farming—it’s farming done right.

Why It Matters
Choosing rare breed, outdoor pigs like the Oxford Sandy and Black isn’t just about tradition—it’s about ensuring that farming can work with nature. By giving our pigs the life they deserve, we’re preserving a piece of agricultural history and at the same time aiming that our farm thrives for generations to come.
So, the next time you think about where your pork comes from, remember our Piggies—living freely, regenerating the land, and enjoying the best of what nature offers.