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Our Pigs
Our Pigs
At Bowland Farm, we believe heritage breeds are more than livestock—they’re living links to Britain’s farming legacy. By raising both Large Blacks and Saddlebacks outdoors, we preserve diversity, promote welfare, and deliver flavour with integrity.
Our heritage breed pigs are raised in spacious, natural paddocks designed to mimic their instinctive behaviours. We believe that pigs deserve more than shelter—they deserve freedom, variety, and respect.
We have one Saddleback sow, Molly, who has recently delivered 11 beautiful piglets. Mum and babies are all doing well.
We also have a breeding pair of Large Black pigs - Charlie and Dot
British Saddleback
British Saddleback
About Saddlebacks
The British Saddleback is a striking, dual-purpose pig known for its black body and iconic white "saddle" wrapping across its shoulders and front legs. Combining traditional looks with practical value, it excels in pork and bacon production, especially in outdoor and organic systems.
History & Conservation
Formed in 1967 by merging the Essex and Wessex Saddleback breeds, the Saddleback carries centuries of tradition. Despite its value, it’s now considered at risk by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Preservation efforts are essential to sustain its genetic diversity and role in British farming heritage.
Breed Highlights
Appearance: Large, deep-bodied black pig with a distinctive white band across shoulders and front legs
Temperament: Calm, docile, and easy to manage—ideal for beginners
Mothering Ability: Excellent maternal instincts and prolific litters (average ~10 piglets)
Hardiness: Thrives on forage and adapts well to extensive, low-input environments
Why Choose Saddlebacks?
Whether you're looking to diversify your farm, support conservation, or explore sustainable meat production, Saddlebacks offer:
Robust health and ease of handling
Superior meat quality
Contribution to rare breed preservation
A visually striking addition to your livestock
https://www.britishpigs.org.uk/breed-information/british-saddleback
Large Black
Large Black
About Large Blacks
The Large Black pig is one of Britain’s oldest and most iconic rare breeds. With its jet-black coat and floppy ears, this docile breed is perfectly adapted to outdoor living. It’s known for producing succulent pork and bacon with exceptional marbling—making it a favourite among artisan producers and conservation-minded farmers.
History & Conservation
Originating in the late 1800s from regional black pig populations in Devon, Cornwall, and eastern counties, the Large Black rose to fame in the early 20th century. It won major agricultural prizes, but industrial farming trends pushed it to the margins. Today, the breed is listed as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Breed Highlights
Appearance: Deep-bodied, all black, with large ears that often cover the eyes
Temperament: Calm, gentle, and easy to manage—ideal for outdoor systems
Mothering Ability: Excellent milkers, prolific litters, and strong maternal instincts
Hardiness: Thrives on forage and pasture, well-suited to low-input farming
Meat Quality
Large Blacks produce richly flavoured meat with excellent fat distribution—especially prized for traditional dry-cured bacon and slow-roasted pork. Their slower growth and active outdoor lifestyle enhance both taste and texture.
Sustainable Farming Partner
Large Blacks are ideal for smallholders and farmers who value animal welfare and environmental stewardship. They:
Flourish on pasture and simple rations
Aid in soil health through gentle foraging
Require minimal infrastructure thanks to their calm nature
Why Choose Large Blacks?
At Bowland Farm, we’re proud to support this rare and remarkable breed. Raising Large Blacks outdoors allows us to honour their natural instincts while producing pork with a depth of flavour that speaks for itself.
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