My pigs live in small groups around the farm, all with a specific job to do. They may be given the task of unearthing stones, clearing a weed bound area or rooting out bracken.

This gang of British Saddleback pigs are working on an area where I’ve cleared derelict metal buildings. They’ve given me a good chance of getting the area back to grass, without too many docks returning.

*Peter Mawson raises free range, rare breed, pigs in Farndale on the North York Moors. A first generation farmer, Peter sells his pork, bacon, hogget and mutton direct to consumers by courier/post, at farmers markets and via small shops and makers.

One artisan makers sells gourmet scotch eggs, using High Farndale pork, to the Royal Family. In Kirkbymoorside, the closest market town, one of the few independent food shops left in the region, maintains a brisk trade from both the fridge and freezer.

Peter’s focus is on regeneration; the once run down hill farm now serves customers across the UK, and he spends time rebuilding the infrastructure of dry stone walls, drains and hedges, improving the soil.