Belvoir Farm, renowned for its delightful soft drinks, is once again inviting the community to assist in harvesting their elderflower crop, a process that has been expedited due to unusually warm weather. This collaborative effort not only supports the farm’s production but also allows participants to engage in a beloved local tradition.
Bottesford-based Belvoir Farm’s annual elderflower harvest is officially underway, and the public is encouraged to play a crucial role in this essential aspect of the farm’s cordial production.
The recent rise in temperatures has shifted the typical four-week picking window, which usually begins at the start of June, to commence earlier this year.
Pev Manners, the owner of Belvoir Farm, expressed hope that the local community would once again step up to help with the picking, saying, “We had a wet start to the year, but the past two months have been dry and sunny, which has brought the flowers forward. We hope our wonderful Nottinghamshire community will come out in force once again and start picking a little earlier than usual.”
Manners added that the commitment from the hundreds of volunteers each year has sustained their cordial production for over 40 years, still adhering to the original recipe created by his mother at their kitchen table.
Participants are compensated at a rate of £3.75 per kilo, with last year’s top picker earning £5,000 thanks to a particularly plentiful harvest. To be eligible for payment, participants must be at least 16 years old.
There are no specialized skills or equipment necessary for picking; all that is required is a sturdy bag and practical attire, including comfortable footwear and protective clothing, such as gloves and long sleeves.
Pickers will have the opportunity to search along footpaths, hedgerows, and green spaces rich in elder trees, as well as within Belvoir Farm’s sprawling 60-acre organic elderflower plantation.
To promote responsible harvesting, participants are encouraged to follow the Countryside Code, which includes ensuring they have permission to pick on private land, respecting the environment, and avoiding harm to trees or surrounding habitats to allow elder trees to flourish in future seasons.
To ensure the flowers remain suitable for production, they must be delivered the same day they are picked. Participants can drop off their harvest at Belvoir Farm’s factory located on Barkestone Lane, Bottesford, between 2 PM and 6 PM, Monday to Saturday, or at the weighing station at Sacrewell Farm and Countryside Centre near Peterborough, available from 2 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday.
Key Takeaways
- Belvoir Farm is seeking community assistance for its elderflower harvest.
- Harvesting has begun earlier this year due to warm weather, typically starting in June.
- Participants earn £3.75 per kilo of elderflowers picked.
- Volunteers must be 16 years or older to participate.
- Adherence to the Countryside Code is encouraged for responsible harvesting.
FAQ
How can I participate in the elderflower harvest?
Community members can join the harvest by visiting Belvoir Farm during the designated picking season.
What do I need to bring for the harvest?
A sturdy bag, comfortable footwear, and practical clothing, including gloves and long sleeves, are recommended.
Where do I deliver the elderflowers after picking?
Pickers should drop off their harvest at Belvoir Farm’s factory or the weighing station at Sacrewell Farm on the same day as picking.
Is there an age requirement for picking elderflowers?
Yes, participants must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for payment.
Engaging in this harvest not only supports the production of a beloved beverage but also fosters a sense of community and tradition. If you’re looking for a meaningful and rewarding experience, consider joining in this year’s elderflower picking efforts at Belvoir Farm.
