Trispen sunflower field opens to the public this weekend
7th August 2020
A field containing more than 275,000 sunflowers near Truro will open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the public to enjoy and to help raise funds for Sowenna, Cornwall’s mental health unit for young people.
A field containing more than 275,000 sunflowers near Truro will open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the public to enjoy and to help raise funds for Sowenna, Cornwall’s mental health unit for young people.
Cornish artisan cooking oil producer Hard Pressed Cornwall planted 19 acres of sunflowers in April in a joint venture with Trispen farmer Nick Dymond. It is believed to be the first large scale commercial sunflower crop to be grown in the country destined to become high quality cooking oil.
Jack Baines, founder of Hard Pressed Cornwall said:
“The sunflowers have just burst into bloom, it’s an incredible sight so we wanted to invite the public to come along to enjoy the spectacle up close in exchange for a donation to support Sowenna. It will be the perfect selfie opportunity, an Instagtammers paradise, and helping a great cause at the same time.
“The crop has been grown without use of pesticides or fertiliser, so we’re delighted to see it thrive and plan to harvest the crop in late September when we’ll press the seeds into sunflower oil. The crop is also helping restore the health of the soil and providing an incredible habitat for our crucial bee population.
The Bodmin-based mental health treatment facility for 13 to 18-year-olds launched the #SowennaSunflower project inviting people to make, draw or grow sunflowers during lockdown. They have been sharing the results on social media and will be exhibited on Sowenna’s stand at next year’s Royal Cornwall Show.
Jack added: “Mental ill health is something that touches so many young lives, we’re pleased to be able to do a little bit to help. Getting out into a field of sunflowers in the fresh Cornish air, drinking in that incredible sight will be positive for mental health in itself, particularly during these trying times for us all.”
The sunflower field is located next to St Erme with Trispen Primary School, TR4 9BJ and will be open on Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August from 10am – 3pm.
Hard Pressed Cornwall’s range of cooking oils are available at an increasing number of outlets around Cornwall, including recently being added to the shelves at Truro’s Great Cornish Food Store.
To find out more about Hard Pressed please visit: www.hardpressedcornwall.co.uk.
Dan Bird (L) and Jack Baines from Hard Pressed Cornwall inspecting the sunflower crop at Trispen.
