Cornwall's first lavender farm has opened up its field this year to visitors.

Roskorwell Farm on the Lizard is showcasing its swathes of in-bloom lavender, with accompanying sea view, by appointment.

Sam and Mark Hall-Digweed grow apples, crocuses and seven different types of lavender at the farm using sustainable and respectful methods, and crops are processed in small-scale and traditional ways that aim not to diminish or unbalance the local ecosystems. The lavender is made into distilled oil, which is used to make oils and scrubs.

South West Farmer:

Weeding by hand. Picture: Kathy White

Sam said: "We went to Provence for our honeymoon in 2006 and decided growing lavender is what we really wanted to do."

After plenty of planning, Sam and Mark started growing lavender in 2016, when they planted their first crop of around six acres. They had a really good crop that year and were really pleased with how it went.

South West Farmer:

Sam Hall-Digweed with the handmade soap. Picture: Kathy White

However, the wet winter of 2017 followed by the Beast of the East and then snow resulted in the loss of 45,000 plants.

After plenty of soul searching they decided to give it another shot, this time using precautions to protect the roots. This plan seems to have paid off, with the crop doing really well this year.

South West Farmer:

Roskorwell Farm. Picture: Kathy White

Sam added: "Standing here now it is absolutely stunning and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I used to work for the BBC in London but I can't imagine being in the city now."

Mark said: "It is very rewarding. Driving from the hill opposite all you can see is a great big patch of purple.

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"This morning when I came down to the field it has totally changed because of all the bees. If you stand in the field all you can hear is the bees. There is, of course, a strong scent too."

South West Farmer:

Making the oil. Picture: Kathy White

The bumble bees and honey bees appear when the flowers open, and the farm has its own hives. There are also butterflies, ladybirds and ducklings in abundance.

In order to respect Government Guidelines in regards to Covid-19 they are only showing round one family group at a time. Tours include the field, bee hives and a demonstration of how the lavender oil is distilled.

Appointments can be arranged by calling 01326 280229 or emailing info@roskorwellfarm.co.uk. There is no cost but the farm are asking for donations.