(image credit: www.helencottonphotography.co.uk)
A Cheshire farming family is once again throwing their gates open for visitors to enjoy a field packed full of sunflowers.
Alex and Simon Lewis first planted sunflowers on their farm on Slaughter Hill in Crewe Green, around the time they got married in 2011.
As the country emerged from lockdown in summer 2021, they felt it would be nice to plant some again for their 10-year wedding anniversary, and open the farm up for visitors to enjoy.
It was also an opportunity for the Lewis’ two children Dexter and Penny to share in the experience.
Their first year sharing sunflowers with the general public also marked their family’s hundredth year as tenants on the Duchy of Lancaster-owned farm.
“We think it’s a pretty special place and decided very last minute to open up our beautiful sunflowers as a pollinator trail and share it with the public,” Alex told us at the time.
The sunflowers are planted around the perimeter of a maize field – all of which will be harvested and used in the autumn as livestock feed.
In total there is about a hectare of sunflowers at the Lewis’ farm.
New additions this year include two viewing platforms where visitors can climb up above the sunflowers to get a good view of the sea of yellow in the surrounding fields.
The Lewis family has also opened up a mini shop on-site, so people can enjoy a treat or pick up a souvenir of their visit.
They are also selling honey, made by bees from hives located on the edge of the sunflower fields.
Those who want a lasting memory can also book a 30-minute photo session with a professional photographer.
Right now the field is full of beautiful yellow blooms, with more expected to open up in the coming weeks.
Later in the month, new varieties will also begin to open up, meaning it could well be worth a return visit.
Alex said: “We encourage people to bring picnics and they can enjoy it on the route or in one of our picnic nooks.”
Sturdy footwear is encouraged, and long trousers and socks are recommended.
The uneven terrain and narrow parts of the trail mean it is unsuitable for buggies, prams and wheelchairs.
Prices and information
£10 per car (which includes a bunch if sunflowers to pick to take home – eight stems). Further bunches priced at £5 each.
Visitors should bring their own secateurs.
There are toilet facilities on site, located near the play area. No smoking, no dogs (due to livestock and game birds).
Address: Park Farm, Crewe Green, CW1 5UP.
Open: Thursdays to Sundays in August (weather permitting, bring cash for honesty box).
Visit Crewe Green Sunflowers on Facebook for more information.
