The fruits of many farmers’ labors have sprouted in the fields of the region and are almost ready to be picked. Strawberries, black currants, raspberries and apples ripen.
And if you’ve been missing summer fruits in the past few months, what better way to pick some than to pick them yourself? Not only will you have a lot of fun, but you will also be able to buy exceptional local products and help local producers.
Here are some of the best places to visit.
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North Perrott Fruit Farm Apple picking at North Perrott Fruit Farm (Image: North Perrott Fruit Farm)
Address: Willis’s Lane, Crewkerne, TA18 7SN
Status: Opening mid-July
The “Pick Your Own” season kicks off next month at North Perrott Fruit Farm, with Vistabella apples readily available to pick until they run out. Next are August, September and October “Pick Your Own” favorites including Katy Apple, Bramley Seedling and Orange Blenheim.
You can do your own picking seven days a week, during normal on-site farm shop hours. But you should call ahead to make sure you know what’s available before you go. Click here for more information on the fruits you can pick at North Perrott Farm.
Thurloxton Farm Strawberries picked at Thurloxton Farm (Image: Thurloxton Farm)
Address: Keirles Farm, Taunton, TA2 8RH
Status: Opening end of June
Thurloxton Farm will soon be open for strawberry picking. Raspberries, black and red currants and broad beans will then follow during the month of July.
Click here to stay up to date.
Camelot Valley Producers
Address: Sparkford, Yeovil, BA22 7JR
Status: Open now for flowers, October for pumpkins
The Vale of Camelot Growers is a small family business based in Sparkford, near Yeovil. From April to July they have plants, hanging baskets and pots for sale, while from June to August they sell cut flowers and in December you can get your hands on a Christmas tree or wreath.
October is pumpkin season and seems like a great source of fun for anyone picking their own pumpkin this year. Fruit picking will no longer be available, however, according to a statement on their website: “After careful consideration, we regret to inform our customers that we will no longer be offering U-pick fruit. Due to certain factors, including unpredictable weather conditions, changes in agricultural issues (legislation, techniques, technologies) and market developments, we have had difficulty in sustaining a viable and rewarding activity in this area.”
For more information, click here.
Blagdon Fruit Farm Blagdon Fruit Farm pick your own (Image: Malek Jaber/Blagdon Fruit Farm/Google)
Address: Coldharbour, Chickerell, Weymouth, DT3 4BG
Status: Open
If you fancy venturing out of Somerset and into Weymouth then Blagdon Fruit Farm is a great place to pick your own fruit. They even do take-out cream teas.
The family business, which also has an on-site tea room, offers a selection of strawberries and berries, as well as cream teas, cakes and even ice creams throughout the summer. It is best to call ahead of your visit as fruit is subject to availability and by calling the staff can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Social distancing measures are in place and staff ask visitors to bring their own antibacterial hand gel and wear a face mask for polytunnel picking where possible. Groups of cyclists are welcome, but call ahead if you are part of a large group. Open evenings are also available on request.
For more information, click here.
Forde Ansty Abbey U-pick and farm shop (Image: Google/Anatolij Tarasov)
Address: Forde Abbey Fruit Gardens, 4 Wheel House Lane, Thorncombe, Chard, TA20 4NA
Status: Opens June 15
The fruit picking season at Forde Abbey Fruit Farm begins on June 15. The fruit farm is open daily from 9.30am (weather permitting) and strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants can be picked.
However, jostaberries, tayberries, and red currants generally follow raspberry season, and all fruits are grown at table height for easier picking. Be sure to call ahead of your visit to make sure the farm is open and there is fruit available.
You will also need to bring your own punnets or containers and know the farm’s social distancing rules. For more information, including a tasty strawberry jam recipe, head to the website here.
Ansty U-Pick and Farm Store
Address: Salisbury, SP3 5PX
Status: “a few days” from opening
Venture to Salisbury and you’ll find a farm shop to suit all your needs. The folks at Ansty Farm Shop bake fresh bread on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, fill orders for Church Farm Dairy Milk which is delivered regularly and have a wide selection of fruit and vegetables for you to buy.
Additionally, they offer early and late opening slots for the most vulnerable members of the community, as well as key workers, and they take phone orders to deliver or carry out your car for you. Plus, did we mention they have a rainbow corn maze and a whole range of fruits that you can pick yourself, including:
Blueberries Black currants Dessert currants Blackberries White and pink currants Small amounts of currants, raspberries, strawberries and yellow raspberries (just ripe)
For more information, including COVID-19 rules and regulations, visit the website here.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-11 12:58:37
