We are a family of five and live throughout the entire year on Vesteraas. We love it and consciously live with all the seasons. During the summer months there are many visitors, who stay for a week or a few days, and we enjoy sharing the farm and the surrounding land with others. We – that are the parents, Maja and Nils, Freja (born in 2001) Asta (born in 2004) and Nora (born in 2007). We arrived in 2005 coming from Copenhagen to the Island, and we are the second generation Ørum family on the farm.
Vesteraas with its 20 hectars is a comparatively small farm, and has become an organic farm since 1991. On Vesteraas we have a comprehensive strategy for the use of the land, and our keyword is variety.
The farm is a traditional three-sided farmbuilding with a center courtyard; a part was built in 1870, which is now chalked-up in a light blue color, and it has been restored with great respect for the original structure. We use a variety of methods to minimize environmental impact – for the buildings as well as in operating the farm. Among other things, the wastewater is treated in a separate biological system, and the buildings are heated with our own biofuel plant and solar panels. And yes, there is still a long way to go.
The farm is run organically with a large herd of small, black Dexter cattle grazing in the meadows, quietly chewing to maintain soil fertility and ensure the rich variety of plants and animals, that are being found on our farm. In former times, lapwings, partridges and hares were living here – and that is also the case again today; and Orchids, ragged robin, orchid, marsh marigold and much more.
