Photo shows Newton Rigg College students Olivia Grindley, 18, of Wigton, Jack Bland, 16, of Thirlmere, Keswick and James Johnston, 18, of Hethersgill, Carlisle with John Rowland, Manager of the college's Low Beckside Farm and the recently calved cattle at the college's Low Beckside Farm.

The latest arrivals at Newton Rigg College – Luing cattle – have certainly settled in well, and have already increased in number, with calving well underway.

The 16 in-calf heifers were bought in December and, as part of a partnership arrangement with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, are thriving on the Trust's fell land adjacent to the college's hill farm, Low Beckside. So far the cattle have produced strong, single calves, plus one set of twins. The ultimate aim is to retain some of this year's heifers and establish a breeding herd of 25, with bull calves finished on grass at the college's beef finishing unit.

The hardy native beef breed were developed in the 1940s and 50s on the Isle of Luing off the west coast of Scotland. A Shorthorn-Highland cross, they are now an established breed in the UK and beyond, and thrive outside, particularly on upland pastures.

Matt Bagley, Head of Agriculture explained: “They are doing well, and have lived up to our expectations. The way they graze enables plants to seed better so they bring land management benefits. In addition, we are able to demonstrate another aspect of upland farming to our students, which complements their studies of our Aberdeen Angus beef herd – which winter inside, and also our dairy herd.”

** The college's Luing cattle and calves will feature, along with staff and students, in this week's BBC Countryfile programme (Sunday 12 April) as part of a feature on upland management.