Bad weather stops planting on farm

The Nottinghamshire County Council owned centre provides training opportunities and work experience for adults with learning disabilities.

The fruits of their labour are then sold in its on-site farm shop for the villagers of Linby and Papplewick and beyond to enjoy.

“The weather was warm last March so plant sales were good,” said manager Ian Holland. “We think we have had similar sales figures this March due to the early Easter period which has given people time to pop in towards the end of the month.

“However, we believe we would have seen an increase in sales if the weather was better.

“We’re also weeks behind the planting of many of our vegetables, many of which would normally be in the ground at this point.”

The vegetables are currently protected in polytunnels and bedding plants are seeking solace in the greenhouses.

The income generated from sales offsets some of the costs at the site, which currently has 40 trainees.

As well as crops, the farm houses 350 chickens who run free amongst the orchard and produce about 280 eggs a day.

Ian added: “We want to remind people that we still have a range of locally sourced fruit and vegetables to buy and are optimistic that people will make a start in their gardens in the next few weeks.”