Les Wheeler
Muckley Cross Farm
near Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Les Wheeler and his family have been farming at Muckley Cross Farm since 1971. The family moved from another farm in the area, so are steeped in the local farming community.
Farm location and characteristics
The farm is an all grass farm of 235 acres which became organic in 2001. Situated 4 miles west of Bridgnorth in the Border Marches country, it is situated in glorious countryside and is surrounded by woods. The soil is predominantly made up of heavy deep clay loam.
Livestock
The farm has both sheep and cattle, a common characteristic of farms in the area.
The Wheelers keep 900 breeding ewes, producing finished lambs which are sold in the late season between January and May, although a few are marketed in June. The sheep are of various breeds, including including Suffolk and Texel - breeds generally characteristic of lowland sheep farming.
In addition a small number of cattle are finished, mostly Hereford, which is well adapted to local conditions, having originated in the neighbouring county.
The farm is a member of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme
