Manor Farm

Newman Farming Partnership

Newman Farming Partnership is a family-run commercial farming business based at Manor Farm, Cattistock, in the heart of Dorset. Our family has been farming in the local area since the early 1600s, and we remain deeply committed to maintaining and developing this long-standing agricultural heritage.

Dan Newman was born into a farming family, and together with his wife Helen, established the partnership in 1992. As the business has grown, they have farmed at several locations before securing Manor Farm, Cattistock, in July 2017 following 20 years of farming there under an annual licence. At this point, their son Bertie joined the partnership, marking the next generation’s involvement in the business.

Dan and Helen live in the bungalow at the entrance to the farm, while Bertie and his partner Eve live at Jenny’s Cottage at the top of the farm. From there, they also run a seasonal Christmas tree enterprise, Hilltop Christmas Trees.

Today, we manage approximately 1,700 acres of land across several farms in West Dorset, with Manor Farm serving as our main base. We are passionate about sustainable and efficient farming, with a strong focus on the welfare of our livestock, the stewardship of our land, and the wellbeing of those who work with us.

Our business comprises a diverse range of enterprises, including:

A herd of approximately 600 cattle, from calves through to finished stock
A flock of 750 ewes
Forage crops, including herbal leys and grassland
Arable crops, primarily wheat and barley
Contract fencing services

Since purchasing Manor Farm, we have continued to invest in improving infrastructure and operational efficiency, while maintaining high standards of care for our livestock and the environment.

Farming is a challenging and ever-changing industry, heavily influenced by the weather and seasonal conditions. No two years are the same, which makes it both demanding and rewarding. Even after centuries of experience, the unpredictability of nature ensures there is always more to learn.

Our daughter Tillie and her partner Oscar run a separate free-range egg production business, Courtyard Chickens, located nearby. Their eggs are supplied to a local grading and packing company serving regional shops and are also available to purchase directly from farm stands at Manor Farm and Horchester. Tillie also operates a small business, Glow & Co, producing handmade candles and diffusers.

Footpaths and Bridleways at Manor Farm

There are a number of public footpaths and bridleways crossing Manor Farm, which can be found on widely available maps and navigation apps covering Dorset.

The main footpath runs directly along the farm track, over the cattle grid, and through the cattle handling area. It does not pass through farm buildings or along the newer track to the right of the cattle grid. At the far gate at the bottom of Middle Hill, the footpath turns left towards a stile leading to Cattistock Road, while the bridleway turns right towards Lankham Bottom.

Additional routes run from Kennel Lane, across South Down, and out towards Maiden Newton Road.

As a working farm, there are inherent hazards. For your safety and to protect livestock, we kindly ask that all visitors: