Conservation graziers
Conservation grazing services to land managers and local authorities interested in improving or conserving the natural environment.
Press
BBC comes to Maydencroft Farm
Renowned chef and Masterchef judge, John Torode and a film-crew spent a day with Robert and Tom Williams at Maydencroft Farm in September, filming for an episode of the series ‘The Great British Food Revival’ this autumn on BBC2.
The episode, broadcast on Wednesday 2nd November 2011, repeated on Saturday 5th November and viewable through BBC i-player (until 24th November 2011), was an opportunity for John Torode to follow his passion for native UK breeds of cattle and to sing the praises of British beef. Father and son Robert and Tom Williams featured on the programme as a result of their efforts for the ancient longhorn breed of cattle, as well as for the success of their conservation grazing schemes throughout Hertfordshire.
As part of the programme John Torode cooked a magnificent ‘Roast rib of beef with mustard crust’ using Maydencroft beef from Allinghams butchers in Hitchin.
To replicate John Torode’s culinary triumph, here is the recipe featured on the programme - click on the PDF below or CLICK HERE
View PDF »
From building aeroplanes to grazing cattle, Welwyn Hatfield Times, 20th July 2011
John Phillips talking to children of Howe Dell School about livestock grazing on one of our conservation grazing sites, Ellenbrook Fields.
Going native could mean healthy profits, Farmers Weekly, 9th July 2010
Native-breed beef cattle, grown on biodiverse pastures produce beef with health benefits, according to trial data.
Big Lottery Winner at Park, Hertfordshire Mercury, 17th April 2009
Following a Heriatge Lottery Grant, of which we have done much of the work. The Lady Mayor of Broxbourne cuts the ribbon.
Country Life, February 2009
The results of a beef tasting session in the 18th February 2009 issue of Country Life Magazine revelaled that the best breed for steaks was the Longhorn.
'Definitely the winner; delicious' Carla Carlisle (Country Life columnist and farmer)
'Perfect, 9 out of 10; very sweet and melts in the mouth'Mark Price (chief executive of Waitrose)
'Soft on the palate, with a sweet, tender flavour' Jack O'Shea (butcher)
'This is the perfect steak' Mark Hedges (editor of Country Life)
Broxbourne Borough Council press release, Longhorn cattle at Cheshunt Park
"A small herd of English Longhorn cattle have been invited to graze part of Cheshunt Park as part of the grassland and community orchard management programme."
Broxbourne Borough Council press release, Green Flag raised at Cheshunt Park
"The group also visited the Longhorn cattle that are currently grazing the community orchard as part of the wildflower and grass management programme."
Coming to a Common Near You, CMS News, May 2007
The return of grazing to some of Hertfordshire's commons.
Traditional Cattle at Work, Hertfordshire Countryside, March 2003
Robert Williams discusses the importance of rare breeds in Hertfordshire with Julian Waters.
New Status for Common, The Comet, 1st November 2001
Oughtonhead Common achieves Local Nature Reserve status.
The Prodigy: Never Mind the Bullocks! New Musical Express, 24th May 1997
The Prodigy launch their third album at Maydencroft Manor.
What Heifer next! Welwyn & Hatfield Times, 7th May 1997
Udder confusion as cattle hoof-it through allotments.
Return of the Longhorns, Outlook Magazine, Spring 1997
Maydencroft Longhorns return to Oughtonhead Common, Hitchin.
Longhorns are Lovely, Hitchin Gazette, November 1996
Robert Williams is honoured by a visit from the Longhorn Cattle Society as part of their annual general meeting.
Rare Breeds Survival Trust Results, Daily Telegraph, September 1996
Maydencroft Farm wins interbreed champion category.
Interbreed Champions, The Ark, Autumn 1996
Prize bull Milton Hercules features in the RSBT journal.
Enthusiasm Swells Top Price for Rare Breeds, Farmers Weekly, September 1996
Maydencroft Farm's prize bull is the interbreeds champion at the Rare Breed Survival Trust's 22nd Annual Show.
Weekend Telegraph, Country Diary, Robin Page, 13th July 1996
Weekend Telegraph, Country Diary, Robin Page, 13th July 1996
Longhorn Cows at Oughtonhead Common, NHDC Outlook, Spring 1996
The introduction of cattle at Oughtonhead Common, Hitchin
Cattle Maintain the Balance, Countryside Commission, Nov/Dec 1995
Maydencroft Longhorn graze Danesbury under Stewardship Scheme.
The Hitchin Comet, 13th September 1995
The Hitchin Comet, 13th September 1995
There's much minding about the Marsh, Welwyn Hatfield Times, 11th September 1994
Grazing cattle at Singlers Marsh
'Environment' Magazine
The Danesbury Longhorns
Wild Times, Autumn 1994
Wild Times, Autum 1994
Cows moo-ve to pasture new, Welwyn Herald, 12th May 1994
Danesbury Park
District News, Front Cover Summer 1994
Danesbury Park
