We share our fields between the fruit and arable enterprises as we believe in the value of crop rotation and building strong fertility in the soil.
Our strawberries and raspberries are available from May until November. We choose varieties carefully because we aim to supply the freshest most flavoursome berries to our customers all summer long. We have also just started growing blackberries again. More information about berries, together with fun facts and activities for children can be found at www.superberries.co.uk
All soft fruit crops at HLF are protected by tunnels for at least part of their growing season. This protects the crop from rain damage, advances and prolongs the picking season, and helps create a favourable growing microclimate to combat the spread of disease. Our tunnels are moved at the end of the life of the planting bed. The first tunnels are covered with polythene film in February so harvesting can begin in early May. 100% of our polythene is baled and recycled. For more information on tunnels and their use in soft fruit crops, see www.britishsummerfruits.co.uk
The arable crops used in our rotation cycle comprise wheat, field beans and green manure crops.
There are also many hectares of permanent pasture and woodland. We are fully accredited members of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming). For more information about how farmers can care for the environment and biodiversity whilst running sustainable profitable farms please visit www.leafuk.org
