Amanda Owen, the beloved matriarch of Our Yorkshire Farm, has candidly opened up about a truly surprising and “extreme” activity her nine children regularly engage in, revealing the unique challenges and philosophies that shape life on the remote Ravenseat Farm.

Far from typical childhood games, Owen disclosed that her brood actively participates in what they affectionately term “extreme hide and seek,” a pursuit made possible by the sprawling 2,000-acre expanse of their Swaledale, North Yorkshire, home. This unconventional pastime underscores the remarkable freedom and vast natural playground available to the Owen children.

Despite the undeniable joy she expresses in affording her children such unbridled liberty, Owen admitted to experiencing the familiar parental anxieties. Her honest reflection offers a poignant contrast to contemporary parenting norms, where concerns over safety and structured activities often dominate.

Owen articulated her conviction that one “can’t live your life being risk-averse,” a principle she staunchly upholds in her child-rearing approach. She emphasized the importance of fostering practicality and a robust understanding of navigating life’s inherent uncertainties rather than shying away from them.

Further expounding on her philosophy, the popular farming personality asserted the necessity of cultivating a degree of “fearlessness” in life. She advocates for a mindset that embraces forward movement and proactive engagement, rather than retreating from potential challenges or discomfort.

This narrative of cherished rural freedom and adventurous spirit recently met with an unfortunate reality check, as Owen took to social media to share distressing news from the farm. Her revelation highlighted a stark reminder of external threats impacting their idyllic existence.

She recounted an act of deliberate vandalism where ancient “flags” – stone slabs forming the floor of old pens along the Cumbria-Yorkshire border – were illicitly dug up and removed. These historical features, believed to have stood for centuries, were senselessly desecrated.

The act, carried out seemingly without regard for the site’s heritage or significance, left Owen pondering the motives, whether for material gain or sheer thoughtlessness. It underscored the vulnerability of remote rural properties to such opportunistic or malicious actions.

In essence, Amanda Owen’s life on Ravenseat continues to be a compelling blend of pastoral bliss, adventurous parenting, and the unpredictable realities of safeguarding a historic working farm against modern intrusions, all while championing a resilient approach to life.