Our People
Tucked away on The Duchy Estate in Herefordshire, Lower Blakemere Farm is a family-run affair in a village so small you could easily miss it if you blinked—population 63, and growing (albeit slowly). The farm is managed with a blend of expertise, determination, and a regular tea break by Phil, Heather, and their son Monty. They juggle the ups and downs of farming with a healthy dose of grit, innovation, and plenty of good humour.
Adrian and Valli
The farm’s story starts with Adrian and Valli, who took on the tenancy in the 1980s when the land was part of the Guys Hospital Estate. Adrian, with a keen focus on specialised seed production and mixed farming, worked alongside Valli to lay solid foundations for the farm. Together, they nurtured the land, passing down a strong farm (and a few trusty tractors to the next generation).
Phil and Heather
When Adrian hung up his wellies, Phil and Heather stepped in to take over the tenancy. In May 2020, the farm was sold to The Duchy Estate and Phil and Heather took the opportunity to expand the business, launching ventures like Wiggly Wigglers, which aims to connect farming with gardening through e-commerce, and adding some diversification to the farm.
Monty
Monty, fresh from Harper Adams University is leading the charge into the future of farming. His focus? Regenerative agriculture, which means improving soil health, boosting biodiversity, and making sure the land is in great shape for future generations (hopefully with fewer mechanical breakdowns along the way). Monty’s also brought his engineering flair to the table, introducing UK Mini Trucks to make the endless back-and-forth between fields a bit more bearable.
Dennis
Every farm needs a Dennis. He’s multi-skilled always on hand when something needs fixing, lifting, or rescuing. He gets the job done swiftly and efficiently, often before anyone’s even realised there was a problem. Thank you Dennis.
A Collaborative Effort
The farm doesn’t run itself, and the team behind the scenes ensures everything stays on track (mostly). San keeps the accounts balanced and the bills paid. Rach and Lyd help manage the bookings for Bad Harvest Barn, making sure everything runs smoothly wherever possible. Local contractors like John Skyrme, who’s the go-to guy for baling, and Graham and the Pughs, the hedge-trimming experts, lend their hands when needed. Of course, no farm is complete without its fair share of livestock drama, and the local vets are always on call, keeping the animals healthy and ensuring the farm’s four-legged residents are in tip-top condition.
At Lower Blakemere Farm, it’s all about blending the old with the new, hard work with a sense of humour, and tradition with innovation. The family and their team keep the show on the road, with one eye on sustainability and the other on that the next well earned cup of tea.