Welcome to Pilot Farm

Our farm's story begins in 1621, when the land was first cultivated by local tenant farmers under the estate of the Earl of Mockland. Back then, oxen pulled ploughs, hedgerows were laid by hand, and harvest festivals brought the whole village together.

A defining moment came in 1827, when the land passed into the care of the Aberley family. What began as a modest mixed holding: barley, sheep, a few dairy cows, grew steadily through the Victorian era, two world wars, and the dawn of modern agriculture.

Today, six generations later, the Aberley's continue to live and work on the land. We blend traditional practices like crop rotation and dry-stone walling with sustainable innovations like solar-powered irrigation and soil health monitoring.

Our roots run deep, and every season carries forward a legacy of care, community, and connection to the land.

Pilot Farm has long been at the heart of village life, not just as a working farm, but as a cornerstone of the community. Our family has lived and worked here for generations, and we take pride in giving back to the people and places that have shaped us. From lending a hand during harvest festivals to supporting local projects and events, we believe a strong farm should help grow a strong community.

Our children have attended the village primary school for over four generations, and today, Nigel serves as a school governor, continuing a family tradition of supporting local education. He's also a parish councillor and director of the village hall, helping to steer community projects and keep vital services running. From fundraising events to emergency snow clearing, we believe in being good neighbours and active participants in rural life.

At Pilot Farm, we grow a diverse mix of crops that help feed both people and animals across the region. Our main arable production includes wheat, barley, oilseed rape, and sugar beet, versatile crops that go into everything from artisan breads and cereals to cold-pressed oils and natural sweeteners.

We also produce high-quality silage, an important feed source for local livestock farms, supporting more sustainable, community-based meat and dairy production. After harvest, we bale our straw, which is widely used for animal bedding, garden mulch, and horticultural purposes. Straw bales are available to purchase directly from the farm, please get in touch to check current availability.

Alongside our arable and forage crops, we cultivate a smaller selection of vegetables including broad beans, heritage carrots, courgettes, and winter squash. In partnership with two neighbouring farms, Mill Farm and Wold Farm, we offer seasonal veg boxes, packed with the best of our combined harvests. These can be collected weekly from the old Brick Barn at the edge of the yard.

In autumn, the farm bursts into colour with our popular pick-your-own pumpkin patch, open throughout October. And on a smaller scale, our flock of free-range hens provides a steady supply of fresh eggs, available daily from the honesty box at our gate.

We're dedicated to regenerative practices that care for the land and future generations. Our approach includes cover cropping, reduced tillage, composting, and careful nutrient management to build soil health naturally. We prioritise water conservation through efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and we actively promote biodiversity by maintaining hedgerows, wildflower margins, and wildlife corridors. Renewable energy powers much of our operation, and we're always exploring new ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Whether it's protecting pollinators or enhancing soil life, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Pilot Farm.

At Pilot Farm, we don't just work the land, we maintain it. Over the years, we've built up the skills to manage a wide range of essential farm and countryside tasks, and we now offer these services to neighbouring farms, smallholders, and local councils. Whether it's clearing overgrown drainage ditches to prevent flooding, topping overgrown paddocks, or cutting and maintaining hedgerows, we provide efficient and dependable support rooted in hands-on experience.

Our team also handles fallen tree clearance and livestock fencing, from quick repairs to full boundary installations. We're equipped for light digger work and seasonal tasks like muck spreading, bale stacking, and snow clearance during the winter months. All services are carried out with care for the environment and local wildlife, and we're happy to offer site visits and free quotes.

If you're in need of help with the practical side of land management, whether it's a one-off job or ongoing seasonal support, get in touch. We're always keen to lend a hand where we can.