Our story

We are the Aidley family. We love food, and we love farming.

Our story at Hill Farm began in 1938 when Tim's grandfather started farming here. Currently full time on the farm are Tim and Elaine Aidley and their sons Matt, Ben & Dan.

Dairy has traditionally been the main enterprise on the farm, and our milk was mostly sold into the commodity market, but for a long time we have sold meat and eggs locally to friends and family. We have always run a natural grass based system and became increasingly aware of the importance of regenerative systems of animal and land management, and their influence on ecosystem health and human health.

We always felt that the food we were producing was too good really for the commodity food chain. So, encouraged by strong demand for properly produced food from increasingly aware consumers, in early 2020 we decided to 'go for it' and set up HILL FARM REAL FOOD so we can share all the tasty benefits of our farm with you!

We chose the name HILL FARM REAL FOOD because we think it conveys, in a no-nonsense way, what we are trying to do. 

We strive to produce naturally healthy food with nutritional integrity, nothing added in and nothing taken out. And we produce it in a way that works with nature as much as possible, restores our environment and builds soil.

Modern science is confirming time and time again the age-old knowledge that good soil management is so important, nourishing the vast crowd of tiny and microscopic creatures beneath our feet - the soil microbiome. In tandem with this, it's becoming well known that our own health is massively influenced by the human microbiome - particularly in the gut. We believe the health of soils, plants, animals and humans are closely linked and REAL FOOD is the key.

Please bear in mind that some of our products are not available year-round - because we work with the seasons. 

Our farm is fully organic and all our livestock are managed to organic standards. We actually go above and beyond what the organic standards permit, for example we carry out no routine cultivation or cropping, our calves are reared by suckling naturally, and we have a strict zero-antibiotic and zero-medication policy with all our animals.

Our farming is influenced by holistic management principles and farm scale permaculture. Our vision is for the farm to become a multi-level perennial polyculture, meaning diverse pastures interspersed with trees, hedges, woodland and ponds.

Grass pasture is our main crop. Grazing animals - correctly managed - are essential from an environmental point of view (building soils, sequestering carbon and restoring the hydrological cycle) as well as producing high quality food for human nourishment.

General FAQ

What makes Hill Farm products different from others?

Hill Farm Real Food is a family-run, regenerative organic farm where everything sold is grown on-site. Our cows are 100% grass-fed, certified ‘Pasture for Life’, and produce all-natural A2 milk protein, which is easier to digest. We never use Bovaer, antibiotics, or GM feeds. Our commitment is to produce high-quality food that benefits the environment and respects the physiology and welfare of all living things involved.

Are your dairy products pasteurized?

No, our dairy products, including milk and kefir, are raw and unpasteurized. This preserves the natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria, offering a product that’s as close to nature as possible.

What is A2 milk, and why is it important?

A2 milk contains only the A2 type of beta-casein protein, which is believed to be easier to digest for some people compared to the A1 protein found in regular milk. All our cows naturally produce A2 milk, ensuring a product that’s gentle on the stomach.

How should I store your products, and what is their shelf life?

Our raw milk and kefir should be refrigerated immediately upon receipt. Kefir has a shelf life of approximately 20 days when kept cold. Ghee and tallow are shelf-stable but should be stored in a cool, dark place. 

Do you offer nationwide delivery?

Yes, we deliver our products across the UK. Please note that some items, like our eggs, are available for farm collection only due to their delicate nature.

How often do you restock your products?

We restock our webshop every Friday at 12 noon. If a product is sold out, we recommend checking back then.

Are your animals treated with antibiotics or hormones?

No, we never use antibiotics, hormones, or chemical treatments on our animals. Our farming practices prioritize animal welfare and natural health.

Raw Milk FAQ

How long will it last?

Your milk will arrive with a Best Before date of 5-6 days in the fridge. Once opened use within 2 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes absolutely you can freeze it, just freeze part of your order after delivery (ASAP - to lock in the freshness), and thaw slowly in the fridge a day or so before you need it. Best to consume within 2 days of being thawed.

Is raw milk safe?

Our milk is sold as raw drinking milk, and is produced to the highest standards of cleanliness. Our whole family, including very young and very old, drink it and we believe it's far far better than heat treated milk. Nonetheless, in theory there is a risk, however small, with any raw products (including fruit and veg!) and therefore it is up to the consumer to make their own decisions on this. We carry out regular testing of our raw milk to ensure safety. We are licensed to sell raw milk by the FSA - they carry out regular inspections and also take samples to verify this and we always achieve the top grades of hygiene.

Nutritional qualities?

This can vary slightly through the year depending which plants are in season, but as a guide the milk is usually 5% fat and 4% protein by weight.

Can the taste and texture vary?

Because our milk isn't standardised or processed, there can be seasonal variations and sometimes the taste & texture can alter slightly due to the time of year, the type of grass the cows are eating, and the stage of lactation of the cows. Become a connoisseur and embrace the seasonal variations!

Kefir FAQ

How does it taste?

A fresh, yoghurty, tangy drink. Expect a little fizz - this is the 'champagne of dairy'

Why is our kefir special?

It's made with genuine cultures known as kefir 'grains', which are a 'SCOBY' (symbiotic colony of bacterias and yeasts) - an everlasting culture (like sourdough) which has been nurtured for generations. Most other Kefirs which are sold are made from simple cultures with much less diversity of probiotics. Ours pack a punch in many ways and are more lively and punchy to taste than the stuff in the shops. We make it in small batches each day, so each batch can vary slightly.

Is it fizzy?

Expect a little fizz as you open your bottle, and open carefully, especially after the first week or so - even in the fridge, the good bugs stay busy and it becomes more fizzy and sour the longer it is kept - this can be a matter of personal taste.

How long does it keep?

It will arrive with a Best before date of around 20 days in the fridge. It starts off relatively mild, and continues to become more sour and fizzy the longer it is kept, as the good bugs continue to stay active and the kefir continues to slowly ferment and the probiotic microbes multiply.

Can the taste and texture vary?

Because our milk isn't standardised or processed, there can be seasonal variations and sometimes the taste & texture can alter slightly due to the time of year, the type of grass the cows are eating, and the stage of lactation of the cows. Become a connoisseur and embrace the seasonal variations!

Can it be frozen?

Our kefir can be frozen, and if doing so, do it as soon as possible to lock in the freshness. Freezing can sometimes affect the texture slightly so it's better enjoyed in a smoothie after freezing. However it does have a long shelf life in the fridge. 

How to enjoy?

Most people enjoy it straight from the bottle, but there are many other ways to enjoy it and alter the flavour profile. A simple way is to mix it 50:50 with our raw milk, to get a milder taste with all the benefits of both. Many of our customers enjoy blending it in a smoothie for a taste sensation and extra nutritional hit - think about adding fruits, raw honey, egg yolks or whatever floats your boat. 

What is nutritional profile of your kefir?  

It's usually around 5% fat and 4% protein as per the milk which it comes from. Lactose would be approx 0.1% in the kefir, compared with whole milk approx 5%. No other carbs (lactose is a natural sugar that's found in milk).

How much should I drink?

We suggest starting with a small amount, maybe 100-200ml/ day and building up as you feel suits you. Most people settle on around 500ml per day, but it's an individual thing and many of our customers drink a litre plus per day! It's full of good stuff so even a little bit goes a long way.