History

Edwin Kelsey started farming in Wickhambreaux, Kent in 1870 farming a mix of crops and livestock. Edwin was succeeded by his son, Byron Kelsey, who farmed all his life except for a two year period which he spent on the front line of the Somme. Having survived the trenches, Byron continued farming, winning the Smithfield Show in 1928 with one of his prize bulls, until his death at the age of 67 leaving his 23 year old son Hugh to take over the reins.

Hugh's legacy to the farm and to the wider fruit industry was significant. He was a stickler for detail and was highly regarded within the business winning countless prizes for the quality of his top fruit and inspiring other growers.

Once established in the family business Hugh started to specialise in top fruit  production (apples and pears) at which he excelled. He took the farm into the modern age by developing new planting systems never before attempted on such a large scale. Through his tenure, he continued to grow the business with the addition of two farms.

In 2001, in recognition of his achievements, Hugh was given the honour of being Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers (www.fruiterers.org.uk). The Fruiterers remained an important part of his life until his death in 2009.

Paul joined the farm in 1987 while Hugh was still active within the business. Subsequently Hugh retired from farming in the mid 90's which was when Paul took over. In 2000 Paul started to change the farm into what it has become today, an extremely successful soft fruit business. The farm is at the forefront of developing new growing techniques and prides itself on pushing innovation.

In 2012 Jon Rix, who is the farm manager, was made a Partner in the business and subsequently a Director upon incorporation.

 2019.  The farm now specialises in substrate production of raspberries and strawberries with all of the crops only growing for one season