Amanda Owen: The Yorkshire Shepherdess’s Journey from Farm Life to Fame
Amanda Owen, widely known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess, is one of the most recognized faces in British rural television. Her remarkable transition from a city-born girl with dreams of countryside life to a mother of nine managing a remote hill farm has inspired millions. Through her books, television appearances, and candid social media presence, Owen has brought the rugged beauty and realities of farming life into the living rooms of people around the UK and beyond.
From the windswept fells of Ravenseat Farm to the bestseller shelves in bookstores, Amanda’s journey is more than a tale of sheep and storms—it’s a story of grit, passion, resilience, and the enduring charm of the countryside.
Early Life and a Passion for the Countryside
Amanda Owen was born in 1974 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire—a far cry from the isolated farming landscapes she would later call home. Raised in a typical urban environment, Amanda’s early aspirations were far from conventional. As a teenager, she found inspiration in the pages of a book about hill shepherding in the Yorkshire Dales. This spark ignited a fascination with farming that would shape her future.
Determined to follow her newfound passion, Amanda began studying agriculture. Initially, she envisioned working with horses, perhaps as a vet or equine specialist. However, the more time she spent outdoors working with livestock, the more she gravitated toward sheep farming. Her practical, hands-on experiences cemented her love for rural life—a calling that would eventually lead her to Ravenseat.
Life at Ravenseat Farm
Finding Love and Building a Family
Amanda’s life changed forever when she arrived at Ravenseat Farm, a remote 2,000-acre hill farm in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It was here she met Clive Owen, a fellow farmer, and together they built not only a life but also a large and vibrant family. Married for over two decades, the couple has nine children—Reuben, Raven, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clemmie, and Nancy—each of whom played a role in the farm’s day-to-day activities.
Family life on Ravenseat was anything but ordinary. With no mains electricity or modern conveniences in the beginning, the Owen family’s existence was tied closely to nature’s rhythms. Their lifestyle, shaped by the demands of the land and the seasons, became a symbol of resilience and self-sufficiency.
A Working Hill Farm
Ravenseat is not your average farm. Situated over 1,300 feet above sea level in one of England’s most remote regions, it’s home to hundreds of sheep, cattle, and working dogs. Amanda’s days are filled with lambing, shearing, repairing dry stone walls, and navigating treacherous weather conditions. The ruggedness of the terrain and the challenges it presents make life at Ravenseat uniquely demanding.
Amanda’s dedication to her animals and her commitment to traditional farming methods have earned her respect within the agricultural community. Her social media often features unfiltered glimpses of farm life—whether it’s trudging through snow to feed livestock or handling a difficult birth during lambing season.
Rise to Fame Through Television
Our Yorkshire Farm
Amanda Owen’s quiet rural life took a dramatic turn in 2018 with the launch of “Our Yorkshire Farm”, a Channel 5 documentary series chronicling the life of the Owen family. The show struck a chord with viewers across the UK, drawing millions of fans with its honest and heartwarming portrayal of life on a remote farm.
Unlike many reality shows, “Our Yorkshire Farm” offered a gentle, observational format. Viewers were captivated by Amanda’s calm demeanor, the children’s independence, and the raw beauty of the Dales. The show didn’t shy away from depicting hardships, such as animal deaths or financial struggles, but it also highlighted the immense joys and rewards of rural life.
The program’s success catapulted Amanda to national fame, making her a beloved figure in British television and a household name among farming enthusiasts and city dwellers alike.
A New Kind of Celebrity
Amanda’s authenticity set her apart in a media landscape often driven by glamour and spectacle. She became an unconventional celebrity—one who wore muddy boots, fed lambs at dawn, and homeschooled her children in between chores. This relatability and rawness made Amanda Owen a unique voice for rural Britain.
Her fame also extended to guest appearances on shows like “Countryfile,” “This Morning,” and “The One Show,” where she shared insights about farming, parenting, and sustainability. Her presence in the media helped bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, educating people about the realities of modern agriculture.
Amanda Owen as an Author
Parallel to her television success, Amanda found another outlet for her voice: writing. She has authored several bestselling books that delve into her life at Ravenseat, her parenting journey, and her deep connection to the land.
Some of her most popular titles include:
- “The Yorkshire Shepherdess” – A memoir chronicling her path from city girl to hill farmer.
- “A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess” – Offering an intimate look at the seasonal rhythms of farm life.
- “Tales from the Farm” and “Celebrating the Seasons” – Books that blend storytelling with practical advice and stunning photography.
Amanda’s writing style—personal, humorous, and sincere—has resonated with readers, further solidifying her role as an ambassador for country living.
Challenges and Personal Turmoil
Despite her public success, Amanda Owen’s personal life has faced challenges. In 2022, she and Clive announced their separation after more than 21 years of marriage. The news came as a shock to fans of “Our Yorkshire Farm,” but Amanda addressed it with her characteristic honesty, emphasizing their shared commitment to co-parenting and maintaining the farm.
The split also highlighted the pressures of balancing fame with family and farm duties. As Amanda continued to appear on television and publish books, speculation about her private life intensified. Yet she remained focused on her role as a mother, farmer, and media personality.
In the wake of the separation, Amanda has continued to manage the farm and raise her children while also branching out into solo ventures. Her resilience and independence have won her further admiration.
A Voice for the Countryside
Amanda Owen has become a prominent advocate for rural communities and sustainable farming. She often speaks about the need to support young farmers, preserve traditional practices, and raise awareness about the mental health struggles faced by those in agriculture.
Through social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, Amanda shares both the beauty and difficulty of farm life. Her posts range from scenic views of the Dales to muddy, exhausting days in the fields. Her openness helps dispel the romanticized notions of rural living while also celebrating its unique rewards.
Amanda’s work has contributed to a broader public understanding of agricultural challenges, including climate change, Brexit-related farming policy changes, and declining rural populations.
What’s Next for Amanda Owen?
As of 2025, Amanda Owen shows no signs of slowing down. Following the end of “Our Yorkshire Farm,” there has been speculation about new television projects centered on her continued adventures at Ravenseat or even her children’s forays into farming and engineering.
She remains active in the literary world, with fans eagerly anticipating her next book. Her public appearances at agricultural shows and literary festivals continue to draw large crowds, and she is increasingly seen as a spokesperson for women in farming.
Amanda has hinted at a desire to develop educational initiatives aimed at connecting children with nature, farming, and food production. If realized, these projects could help inspire a new generation to engage with the land, much like she once was inspired by a library book.
Conclusion
Amanda Owen’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and authenticity. From an urban upbringing to becoming one of the UK’s most loved rural figures, her story bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, media and manual labor, solitude and public life.
She has redefined what it means to be a modern farmer, mother, and media figure—proving that true influence comes not from perfection, but from honesty and heart. As the Yorkshire Shepherdess continues her life on the hills, she carries with her a legacy of storytelling, strength, and the enduring spirit of the countryside.
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