Cornwall field of sunflowers that went viral on social media to return this summer
300,000 blooms were on display at St Erme near Truro in 2020, attracting more than 2,000 visitors
Last updated 29th Apr 2021
A sunflower field in Cornwall, that went viral on social media, will return again this summer.
More than 300,000 were grown near Truro in August 2020, specifically to produce sunflower oil.
Last year, more than 2000 people enjoyed visiting the field at St Erme.
The event raised over £4,500 towards supporting the work of Sowenna, Cornwall's mental health treatment facility for young people.
Hard Pressed Cornwall produced 3000 litres of sunflower oil from the seeds harvested from the first crop which are on sale on the shelves of selected retailers and online.
This year, local farmer Nick Dymond will grow another 18,000, in collaboration with producer Hard Pressed Cornwall.
Jack Baines from Hard Pressed Cornwall said: "We are so pleased that this joint venture has been such a success and produced some superb Cornish sunflower oil that is selling very well.
"By opening the field up to visitors, it gave so many something to smile about at a difficult time whilst raising funds for a great cause. We can't wait to do it all over again this summer and we'll release details of tickets for the sunflower field opening soon".
Jack Baines, Hard Pressed Cornwall
Last year's crop provided benefits to the soil whilst creating a haven for bees and birds; the sunflowers were also grown without the use of pesticides.
Preparing the ground for this year's sunflower seeds to be sown was a little unconventional.
Alfie Trethewey and Bryony Gill from St Austell-based Pikna Shire Horses put Angel and Bravelad, one of their two working pairs of shires, through their paces to plough the field.
"We've focussed on growing and creating a quality product but also minimising the environmental impact of our practices. Interestingly, horses plough at a depth of four to five inches which buries the residue of the previous crop well. Nowadays it is common to plough at more than double that depth, which can damage the soil.
"Deep ploughing can bury the topsoil and pull up sub soil which is less conducive to germination. Also, in bringing that subbase level soil to the surface it is inverting the soil structure which negatively effects the soil's ability to drain in wet conditions.
"Shallow ploughing ensures a much lower loss of humus, the organic matter that is one of the most important soil components that holds moisture and sequesters CO2 from the atmosphere and returns it to the ground. It also displaces far less worms, the benefits of which are well known".
Nick Dymond, St Erme Farmer
You can find out more information and see more pictures here.