Visit The Ethical Dairy

We welcome visitors to our farm throughout the year. We are located in south west Scotland, near Gatehouse of Fleet. To arrange a group visit, please contact us on hello@theethicaldairy.co.uk

The Ethical Dairy Farm Tour

This farm tour is led personally by our farmer David Finlay who has pioneered cow-with-calf dairy farming on our farm, harnessing natural systems and using agroecological principles. This event is in-depth and is designed primarily for adults with an interest in the environment, animal welfare, climate, ecology and / or food policy. Farmers are welcome to attend.

You will go on a walking tour of our farm and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the cows and their calves. You will hear an explanation of our farming system and how our approach differs from conventional dairy farming. David will explain what soil carbon sequestration is, talk about the ecology of our farm, and the increases we've seen in biodiversity.

While this event is designed to take 2 hours, if there are lots of questions it can - and often does - run on longer.  David is keen that this event is participatory and responsive to the interests of participants.

"This tour has been a formative moment in my life."  Anthony Sergeant, Veterinary Surgeon MRCVS

"This was a truly inspiring insight into a farm and farmer who are providing solutions and alternatives to unsustainable modern dairy. I felt I was given a huge amount of information but also, even more importantly, I was given hope that alternatives are possible."  Rona Munro

"If you are interested in where your food comes from and why it matters then you will find this tour fascinating and informative! Farmer David has an easy, natural way with words and the tour is just the right length to be in-depth and interesting for all."  Laurence Heron

Cheese Making Course

This full-day practical cheese making course will be led by one of our cheese makers, and it's a fascinating introduction to the craft of artisan cheese making. You’ll learn a quick way to make soft cheese which can be easily replicated at home. You’ll also make a pressed cheese, following the steps we use to make our cheeses. In total this cheese making course will result in around 1kg of cheese to take home.

Cheese making involves periods of time when you pause and let nature take its course. During these times we will schedule experiences that will give you a broader insight into our farm and our own cheese making process. You’ll go on a quick tour of the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to see our cheese store, where we will show you what to look out for as your own pressed cheese matures, and you’ll enjoy a cheese tasting experience.