It's been an 8 year process, an initiative that has undergone significant trial and error but we finally have a growing system that is innovative farming at it's finest!! Our aim is to provide a unique experience for the whole family... as well as super tasty berries! If you visited last season, we now have 3 times as many plants condensed into the same area! We have made some significant changes
to the way conventional growing and pick your own operate. Here are just some of the differences between us and conventional growers...
Chemical free:
During the ground preparation period, conventional growers must fumigate the ground by injecting synthetic chemicals into the soil before planting and then ground is covered in plastic. This process is unnecessary with our method of growing. Synthetic chemicals are also used to eradicate weeds, to rectify nutrient imbalance and to keep away those pesky bugs. To keep with our environmentally friendly approach to growing, we use an all natural product, derived from the Parthenium plant. Accessible to everyone:
We want eveyone to be able to enjoy the delights of picking your own berries! Spacing between our 'Strawberry Trees' allows for adequate wheelchair and pram access, making it an experience accessible to everyone! The ability to pick from differing heights, whether you have a toddler, a bad back and can't bend or are 10 feet tall, means that there is the perfect strawberry height just for you!! Don't be a Wally:
We do not use conventional above ground farming sprinklers. Using dripper systems throughout the Forest, our water usuage has been reduced dramatically with every drop of water efficiently delivered. When you're wondering through the maze of Strawberry Trees, be sure to keep an eye out for our 'Strawberry Secrets' Treasure Hunt! Search for hidden treasures around the Forest, find 4 of them and you get a 5% off voucher at The Fruits of Life where you can grab a coffee or strawberry shake from the juice bar and top up on your farm fresh fruit and veg! The Strawberry Forest is open weekends but keep an eye out on our fb page for updates. Pop in for a visit over the summer and happy picking! :)
