Cragg Farm rises from sea level on the Esk to 199m on Raven Crag and mostly has a north west facing aspect. The underlying geology is mainly Eskdale granite and this forms the prominent peaks of Raven Crag and Latterbarrow. Over much of the rest of the farm, the granite is overlain by glacial till on the upper slopes and alluvium on the valley bottom. There is some peat both at higher elevations and in the valley bottom. On most of the farm the soils are usually acidic, slowly permeable, wet and have low fertility. The farm has a traditional pattern of small inbye fields with larger intakes above. In the valley bottom the fields are mostly improved or semi-improved pasture. Higher up, the majority of the land is rough pasture. There are several small areas of woodland on the farm and an old orchard, now being restored. Two field parcels form part of the Cropple How Mire Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for important fen and mire habitat.

An ecology survey carried out in 2020 found many interesting features to the farm, including:

Part of Cropple How Mire SSSI, an example of lowland fen habitat; remnants of upland heathland on Raven Crag and Latterbarrow; areas of blanket peat, some of which support good bog vegetation; species rich acid flushes in the intakes; an area of upland oak woodland rich in bryophytes and lichens; an old orchard with pear, apple and damson trees; good habitat mosaics and good connectivity with habitats in the wider landscape; over 40 veteran trees and 40 significant trees; traditional field pattern and numerous archaeological remains; 218 plant species recorded including several uncommon in Cumbria, such as Lesser Skullcap, Marsh St John's Wort and Gipsywort.

The archaeology on the farm is also fascinating. There is clear evidence and remains from several earlier settlements. We’ve worked with professional and amateur archaeologists to find out as much as we can about the site and its former inhabitants. We now have a record of the farmers of Cragg and its predecessor farms stretching back hundreds of years.