Farming circa. 2000 acres of arable, grass and woodland, a delicate balance is maintained at Thirsk Hall Farms between ensuring that our countryside management meets the needs of modern agricultural production while retaining lands unique historical character and landscape.
Arable
Our arable operations form the backbone of our business; with cereals, legumes, potatoes and carrots all grown within the rotation. Our core strategy is to produce nutritious and delicious food within a profitable but regenerative system – looking after our soils and environment for future generations.
In 2021 we brought in minimum till operations and in 2024 the farm invested in a direct drill. The plough, min till and direct drilling are all used in combination with each other at Thirsk Hall Farms – looking at our fields individually to determine the best cultivation strategy for both optimum yields and soil health.
Livestock
In 2016 the farm invested in a small suckler herd of Montbeliarde x Aberdeen Angus cattle. The numbers grew to reach 70 in 2024. In 2025 a reduction sale reduced the herd to 23. Our focus has now changed to breed top quality meat sold directly into the local community.
2024 and 2025 saw the start of a small woodland pig operation and also the addition of Bed and Breakfast Pigs in the cattle sheds.
Alongside the cattle and pigs, we also run a small flock of Jacob Sheep, grazing outside most of the year. The sheep follow the cattle in our grass sytem and then in the winter are put on our cover crops. This system has multiple benefits for the soil, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers and using less herbicides.
The livestock provide an important role in our journey towards the regenerative system with their ‘muck’ subsidising the use of artificial fertiliser and a potential reduction in herbicide use from grazing. With the development of Manor Farm Hotel and Kitchen there are also plans to bring poultry and pigs onto the farm. This will allow us to supply the restaurant and catering business – a farm to fork strategy of less than 2 miles.
We are incredibly proud that all our livestock are high welfare animals – prioritising the well being of the animals throughout their lives – from birth to slaughter. This includes providing ample space, enriched environments, and humane handling practices.
Community
Across the farm we have a mixture of almost 6 miles of bridleways and footpaths. The farm plans to hold Open Farm Sunday’s in the near future and will also launch a Farm Walk series, allowing individuals interested in farming and the countryside a closer, in depth, look at the farm. Please see our shop section for more information in the above and to register interest.
As a family, the Bells are passionate about Thirsk and its future. With this in mind they have brought through, to planning stage, a proposal for 300 houses to the North East of Thirsk.
One third of Lead Hills will be designated affordable housing while the farm will also be offering an extension of both the cemetery and allotments. A community orchard is also planned.
Woodland
Thirsk Hall Farms are passionate about managing Woodland, habitat and biodiversity creating a sustainable and balanced environment.
Our strategic management plan & ‘Positive Impact Report – 300 years’ is designed to create greater biodiversity, a better and more balanced habitat and a resilient income for the Estate.
The Estate owns and manages approximately 150 acres of woodlands and over 30 miles of hedgerows. These hedgerows all have a margin of at least 2 metres (some running to 6 metres) buffering them against the arable fields and necessary agricultural production. These ‘wildlife corridors’ are vital for habitat and biodiversity. In all, these margins take up some 30 acres of the farm.
We also have over 90 acres of wild bird food and flower rich plots, herbal lays and low input permanent pasture. These are fundamental to our strategy of increasing our wildlife health and diversity.
Habitat and Biodiversity
We are always trying to improve the habitat and biodiversity on the farm…
In 2023 we planted Kings Wood, taking 25 acres of poor arable land out of production and planting 18,500 trees. Species include: Oak, beech, birch, lime, walnut, rowan, cherry, crab apple, aspen; Scots pine and Douglas fir; Hazel, hawthorne, blackthorne, dogwood, elder, spindle, dog rose. The project was completed using the DEFRA ‘Trees for Climate’ initiative and administered through the White Rose Forest scheme.
We look carefully at all our farmed land, its productivity and future potential. Moving forward our aim is to be able to continue to produce food but, now, more in unison with our natural capital.
With this is mind, over the next few years, the Estate will be opening our doors (or rather gates) to the local community and other interested groups. Through the initiative of Open Farm Sunday and Farm Walks we hope to demonstrate our commitment to the land we are custodians of.