by Tom | Apr 17, 2025 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
A Bit About Our Cows A few requests came back from my appeal for blog ideas the other week with the theme of how the business works behind the scenes. There’s always so much going on and I will endeavour to share it all through my musings! However, much of my...
by Tom | Apr 10, 2025 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
This question was posed to me in response to my last blog when I asked you all for some food for thought on what to write about next. By the way, I had some great replies—lots of ammo for future editions. But this one really struck a chord. It wasn’t a blunt question...
by Tom | Jan 28, 2025 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Oh, what a week it’s been. At this rate, it feels like we’ll reach Storm Zachary by the end of February. Our originally planned closure has been delayed, unfortunately, so we’re open as normal this week. A little rant, if I may… Some background to why we were planning...
by Tom | Dec 1, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Last week my son, Henry, said to me that the saddest part of the year for him is around 8 pm on Christmas Day. I remember that feeling so well—the moment when all the anticipation, excitement, and merriment seem to settle into the past. You realise that it wasn’t just...
by Tom | Jan 14, 2025 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Have you noticed the manic frenzy of wildlife recently? Birds whistling through the night, trying to find the best nesting spots for spring. Foxes barking all day long and into the darkness, seeking the plumpest earthworms to keep their protein levels up. Me neither....
by Tom | Oct 17, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Last month, our local parish magazine, The Winsley Weaver, celebrated its 50th anniversary. My father, Richard, was invited to reflect on the changes in the village over the past half-century. For those who missed it, I’m sharing his piece in this week’s journal. So,...
by Tom | Sep 18, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
One of the most common things people say to me when we’re chatting about the business is, “You guys always seem to be trying something new. Where do you get all your ideas?” The truth is, I’m a bit of a fraud. Nearly all of the ideas don’t come from...
by Tom | Oct 3, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Did you know it’s World Mental Health Day next week? I didn’t either! But I’ve been wanting to write about the power I’ve found in nature to help keep my own mental health in check, so the timing feels perfect. These are just my thoughts and musings that I have slowly...
by Tom | Sep 4, 2024 | Recipes, Farm Journal, Uncategorized
That familiar back-to-school feeling is here; we all know how busy school nights can get. Cooking can feel like a chore between after-school activities, homework, and managing the rest of the day’s to-dos. That’s why I thought I’d share three go-to recipes in...
by Tom | Aug 21, 2024 | Recipes, Uncategorized
The end of the summer holidays is fast approaching and there’s already a hint of autumnal chill in the air in the mornings. There’s no doubt that sentence will now trigger an Indian summer (we can but hope). The upcoming and much anticipated ceremonial passing...
by Tom | Aug 7, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Last weekend, we finally managed to get out and do one of our favourite walks through the Limpley Stoke Valley near Bath, punctuated by a couple of essential pit-stops at The Cross-Guns at Avoncliffe and The Freshford Inn, of course. There’s simply nowhere...
by Tom | Jul 24, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Our beloved parish magazine, The Winsley Weaver, is celebrating its 50th year of circulation this year. They have asked my father, Richard, to contribute an article on the changes to our farming landscape over these years. This request reminded me of a similar article...
by Tom | Jul 16, 2024 | Recipes, Uncategorized
I thought I’d share a little recipe this week that we’ve been enjoying at home this spring and summer. It’s incredibly quick and easy to put together, with very little cooking and mainly just assembling. It’s perfect for whipping up after a busy morning of...
by Tom | Jun 25, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Walking my mad spaniel, Bonnie, across the farm every day lets me notice how the year passes by on an almost micro, daily level. Right now, our walks are punctuated with impromptu cool-offs in the cattle troughs, but soon enough, autumn will set in, and a cool dip...
by Tom | May 9, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
The summer season is well and truly underway now at Hartley. Alfresco dining outside The Barn and ice creams outside the cabin are a daily occurrence now. We are so lucky to be surrounded by the most beautiful countryside and a brief pitstop at Hartley before an...
by Tom | Mar 13, 2024 | Recipes, Uncategorized
The daffs are in full bloom and the glow from the occasionally shy sun is signalling the growing of the days. It feels like we are awakening from the hibernation of winter and all it threw at us this year. Easter is always a line in the sand to bring us out of the...
by Peri Hobson | Apr 24, 2024 | Jess Oldfield Nutritionist, Uncategorized
Hi there! For those who don’t know me my name is Jess, and I am a qualified Nutritional Therapist based in the beautiful town of Bradford-On-Avon. I am passionate about food and produce and truly believe that nutrition can have a huge impact on health, both...
by Tom | Mar 1, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
As we waved goodbye to the chill of January and February, our team has been deep in the throes of planning for the exciting year ahead. With spring peeking around the corner, we’re thrilled to start bringing our visions to life. The feedback from our community...
by Tom | Feb 10, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
A love letter from our cows to your heart this Valentine’s Day. Welcome to our February journal! This month’s article has been kindly written for us by the lovely Jess Oldfield. If you’re a farm shop regular, you will have met Jess in the farm shop...
by Tom | Jan 3, 2024 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
Happy New Year, to all our wonderful customers! As we step into a brand-new year, it’s a time filled with endless possibilities and opportunities to embrace healthier habits. And what better way to start this journey than with the fresh, hearty ingredients that...
by Tom | Nov 17, 2020 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
As a farmer and a food lover, I’m a firm believer that when it comes to meat, in particular, eat local where you can, but always eat British. We are a nation built on the solid and rich heritage of great British food and farming. There is very little reason to...
by Tom | Nov 3, 2020 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
‘Tis the Season Christmas will be a little different this year but rest assured our intentions remain the same, to bring people together over the best local and seasonal food. We are so proud and grateful to work with so many wonderful local farmers and food...
by Tom | Jul 9, 2020 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
With the news at the start of July that cafes can reopen, we got our thinking hats on to see what we could do to make this summer a special one for everyone as we move into our new normal. We love seeing people enjoying the outdoors at our farm and have a wonderful...
by Tom | Jan 2, 2020 | Farm Journal, Uncategorized
January is about reflection and goal setting for the year ahead. Many of my musings recently have been regarding the press and their portrayal of livestock farming and the environment. The key message has been that we need to eat less meat as intensive farming... 
