Posts by Matthew Hallett

The Lee Family’s Commitment to Sustainable Farming and Self-Storage at Handley Park Farm For over 30 years, the Lee family has called Handley Park home, contributing to a farming legacy that spans five generations in the Towcester area. Today, the farm is managed by Joe Lee, who works alongside his wife Jo and his parents,…

The Gurney Family: A Tradition of Farming and Conservation at North Weston Farm The Gurney family, third-generation farmers at North Weston Farm, have cultivated a rich history in dairy, beef, and arable farming. In 2013, they made a significant shift: they transformed their former dairy and milking parlour into a Barn Store, a self-storage facility…

For 76 years, the Butler family has been farming in Selborne, initially focused on hops for brewing and potatoes. Today, the farm has streamlined operations, cultivating wheat, oilseed rape, beans, millet, and lavender, while leasing land for vegetable growing, including baby spinach and coriander. Their journey into diversification began in 1989, repurposing surplus farm buildings…

For five generations, the Gardiner family has cultivated North Hill Farm. Currently managed by Matthew, the farm spans 450 acres of arable crops, complemented by the lush grazing of sheep and beef cattle on the Cam Brook Valley’s steep slopes. Conservation is integral, with the farm maintaining rare habitats under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Matthew…

Originally a supermarket-accredited packhouse, the Cranbrook Barn Store has been transformed into a modern storage facility. Set amidst 40 acres of beautiful woodland, this area features a wonderful public footpath. The woodland is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the unique microclimate of the Gill, which supports rare moisture-loving plants.…

Farming in Shiplake since 1904, our family takes great pride in a tradition now led by Stephen, the fourth generation focused on a prosperous future. We cultivate a variety of crops, including cereals, oilseed rape, and morphine poppies, both on our own land and for nearby farms. Annually, we produce enough milling wheat for over…

The Clarke family, now in their fourth generation at Cridmore Farm, have decided to focus on a beef herd of around 50 cows, which calve in spring and graze the marshlands during summer. These marshlands are largely designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their unique botanical significance. The farm boasts over…

The story of Ryelands Farm began in the 1930s when our family became tenants, and it has thrived across four generations. Jack’s great-grandfather, a cattle enthusiast known for evaluating turnips at local markets, started it all. His three sons expanded the farm, diversifying into dairy, sheep, pigs, broiler chickens, turkeys, and various crops such as…

For six generations, the Parkinson family has farmed at Rolling Pin Farm, a name that sparks curiosity but remains a mystery since Jim’s great-great-grandfather settled here in 1880, originally with dairy cows, pigs, and poultry. Today, Jim, Joy, and their son Oliver manage 300 acres with a milking herd of 220 cows. The milk travels…

Elizabeth and Christopher Edwards tied the knot in July 1987 and settled into their farmhouse in 1990. Chris represents the third generation of the Edwards family to farm at Ellenhall, originally part of the Lichfield Estate—owned by Patrick Lichfield, the Queen’s cousin and a renowned photographer. The family purchased the farm in 1985, focusing on…