The story behind Wheelbirks Northumbrian Dairy Jersey Ice Cream began when David Richardson (Hugh & Tom’s great grandfather) bought Wheelbirks Farm in 1882. The 360 acre estate set in the low-lying hills of the Tyne Valley in Northumberland has been home to traditional mixed farming for over a century.

Dairy farming was first introduced to Wheelbirks in 1925 when Colin Richardson recognised a market for locally produced, top quality milk. This prompted him to bring the first Jersey cows to the farm, and begin bottling and distributing milk to Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds.

His son Michael Richardson (Hugh & Tom’s father) then took over the running of the farm, demonstrating the same enthusiasm for the Jersey breed. Following his retirement, Hugh and Tom took over the reigns and made the decision to diversify into making ice cream as well as other ventures.