Pumpkin picking has become a ‘must-do’ autumn activity for many, and farms across Sussex are now opening to thousands of visitors looking to experience some Halloween-themed family fun.
For mixed farmer Caroline Harriott, who runs Sompting Pumpkins at the foot of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, pumpkin picking season is always a great opportunity for the public to learn about British food and farming.
Part of the farm rotation
Caroline and her family have been growing pumpkins as part of their farm rotation for several years.
"We have a great location for it," says Caroline, whose pumpkin picking events are very popular with the public.
“For me, it is great to get the public out on farm to learn about where their food comes from.
“The pumpkins that are left over here either go to local soup kitchens or are eaten by the cattle – it is all very much part of the rotation here.”
Open for the season
Sompting Pumpkins opened its gates for the pumpkin picking season last weekend.
The farm will open on the weekends of 11-12 October and 18-19 October and from Saturday, 25 October until Friday 31 October.
Gates will open at 10am and close at 4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.
Entry is free and people can enjoy tractor and trailer rides, face painting, craft activities and local food and drink, including pumpkin-flavoured ice cream, pumpkin lattes and pumpkin-topped pizzas, with more information and updates available on Sompting Pumpkins social media.
“For me, it is great to get the public out on farm to learn about where their food comes from.”
NFU West Sussex Council Representative Caroline Harriott
A tough season
The driest spring in more than 100 years meant it was a tough growing season for many across the country this year, but growers have continued to work hard to ensure plentiful supplies of pumpkins in the run up to Halloween.
After a dry spring, scattered showers in the summer and some heavy rain in mid-August helped Caroline's pumpkin crop.
She added: “We have plenty of pumpkins of all shapes, colours and sizes here.”
Many farms across the county and the East will welcome thousands of visitors this autumn looking to pick pumpkins and other regional produce.
Further details can be found on farm websites as the autumn pick-your-own season gets into full swing.
Photograph: Sompting Pumpkins
