In 2006 we gave up our horse-drawn tour business because two of the horses were approaching retirement and the cost of buying replacements was too great. Basil, who has been at West Ilkerton for 18 years, is in retirement here. Spec and Sherman were sold as a working pair to Mullacott Equestrian Centre, on the understanding that Sherman has a retirement home here when he's too old to work.

Since giving up the horse-drawn tours we've missed welcoming visitors to the farm, so we thought of what else we could do which would attract visitors and boost the farm income. West Ilkerton is an attraction in itself, with stunning views in all directions, local breeds of farm animals and a rich variety of wildlife; so farm tours were the obvious answer. We decided that tractor and trailer rides would be too uncomfotable and impersonal, so we've bought an off-road Landrover Discovery. When used together with our family Discovery, the two cars can carry up to 12 passengers in relative comfort and warmth. The tours are suitable for all ages, but they are entirely off-road and so the ride can be bumpy.

Chris has spent all his life on farms, so he has a wealth of knowledge about farming and the countyside. The wild red deer of Exmoor are his special interest. The Exmoor District Deer Management Society conduct a census of red deer each winter, and Chris is the deer counter for the Barbrook area. There are usually stags somewhere on our farm.

The tours take just over an hour.

We regret that we can't take dogs. Visitors are welcome to walk their dogs before or after the tour and leave them in their car in the shade.