We are delighted to be taking part in Agroforestry Open Weekend 2025

Our farm

We are a 60 hectare family farm with agroforestry, broadleaf woodland, hedgerows, herbal leys, wildlife flower and wild bird seed areas, ponds and scrapes and Photovoltaic panels for renewable electricity.

Before traveling by trains instead of planes Chris researched agroforestry in West Africa and Southern Europe. He’s passionate about Farming with the Environment (the title of his latest book), is an Honorary Professor at Nottingham University and former Head of Research at the Allerton Project. Miriam manages the farm business and has an interdisciplinary research and teaching background. She is enjoys nutritious, local and seasonal food and celebrating our food heritage. Mary manages our trees and sheep and has studied Agriculture and Countryside Management.

Our agroforestry

Over the last four winters we’ve planted a 3 hectare bank of marginal clay soil exhausted by continuous arable cropping with a mixture of fruit and nut trees and willow windbreaks. The trees are planted in flower rich strips with a herbal ley for silage/hay in between the tree rows. We’re learning as we go and continuing to think about potential future products, collaborations and events.

Fruit trees planted in a flower rich strip with a herbal ley crop between the agroforestry rows:

After the herbal ley has been cut:

how to find us

We farm in Halstead, East Leicestershire and will provide details of where to meet after you have booked a place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/agroforestry-open-weekend-at-halstead-hill-farm-tickets-1316053263739

agroforestry open weekend 2025

Friday 16 May 10.30-12.30 – 2 hour walking tour and knowledge sharing about the environmental and heritage benefits of agroforestry in a farmed landscape.

Please don’t just turn up as places are limited

As we have livestock strictly NO DOGS please

facilities/refreshments

12.30-1.30 A range of homemade refreshments and jars of honey – will be on sale at Halstead Hill Farm using fruit, honey and herbs from the farm please bring cash

Compost loos from nearby The Compost Toilet Company

parking/access

Limited parking on grass

Tilton Village Hall has 2 electric car charge points

Oakham Train Station is 8 miles and Billesdon bus stop is 2 miles away

disability access

The tours include at least a mile of walking on uneven, sloping, potentially muddy ground. Please bring suitable footwear and clothing. Unfortunately unsuitable for people with mobility difficulties, including wheelchair users

more information?

Please contact us at halsteadhillfarm@gmail.com for more information

We also welcome class visits from schools and colleges to share outdoor learning about farming, conservation and food production. If you or someone you know are interested please email to arrange a visit