Sam and Mark Hall-Digweed fell instantly in love with lavender on their honeymoon to Provence 17 years ago. Standing in the grounds of the Abbaye de Sénanque, surrounded by a swathe of delicate purple flowers, immersed in their intoxicating floral cloud, they started to wonder if this dream could become their reality. It was a dream that stayed with them over the next few years and, after a lot of planning, in 2015, they took the plunge and moved to Roskorwell Farm on the Lizard Peninsula. But why Cornwall? Mark explains: ‘Cornwall was home for Sam, having grown up there, but we both love the mix of sea and myriad of connected landscapes, from verdant valleys around where we are to rugged cliffside and heath’.
Once the destination was chosen, it was then that the hard work really began. Sam, who was working in the city for the BBC, swapped her heels for wellies and the couple started planting different types of lavender, trialling many varieties using traditional, sustainable farming methods that were sympathetic to the local ecosystems, something they have honoured throughout their journey. They now have around six acres planted across the fertile Lizard soil having settled on seven different varieties which thrive alongside their small-scale farming and gentle production methods.
Having spent much of his childhood with his farming grandparents in a little village called Aston Magna in the north Cotswolds, Mark is at his happiest in the fields. He shares: ‘Even on the hardest day, if you stand at the top of the field, you feel like you are being washed with lavender, it calms you as it is carried in the wind.’
Harvest begins in early July with the couple gathering up their crop before taking it back to the barn and distilling the oil, which they then bottle, and Sam uses to create beautiful handmade soaps and candles. In the lead up to harvest, they open their doors to the public, being mindful to limit the number of guests to retain its soothing tranquillity. After a long meander through the orchards down to the lavender fields, you can venture back to the barn for a warm welcome, tea and homemade cake and try some of the delicious honey, made by their honeybees which feed from the lavender flowers.
Mark smiles: ‘It is extremely rewarding seeing people enjoy themselves, whether that’s enjoying Sam’s cooking, pondering the natural word and engaging with how we produce pure essential oil or watching children marvel at froglets, dragonflies and bees.’
Reflecting on their immense hard work and dedication, Sam says: ‘It’s been a tale of sore knees and sweat so far, but it’s worth every blister. We like to make a difference, we have made great gains on the environment where we farm, have inspired others to start similar business, have the ability to demonstrate a better way of farming and created somewhere we can share some simple pleasures with others. It’s a wonderful part of the country and we are starting to engage with some local schools. I’ve started a flower diary too, the challenge to take a photo of a ‘flower’ on our farm every day for a year.’
Roskorwell Cornish Lavender Farm is open for visitors in June and July weather depending. For more information and exact dates and times you can visit, email: info@roskorwellfarm.co.uk or visit roskorwellfarm.co.uk
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