Purple Fields
Gazing over the purple fields, my senses filled with the scent of lavender hanging gently in the air, and the sound of hundreds of bees buzzing between flowers. A fine July evening, perfect for an outing to the Cotswold Lavender Farm.
Row upon row of purple flowers lay before us. These were interspersed with sections left to wild flowers, readying the soil for next season’s lavender. It was beautiful. We weren’t the only visitors, but there was plenty of room to wander without feeling crowded.
The herb’s name, lavender, has its origins in Latin. Specifically the word ‘lavare’, meaning ‘to wash’. With its fresh scent, it is a popular addition to many modern cleaners, both for human and general household use. Lavender was used in ancient Egyptian times, over 2,500 years ago, to scent the body during the mummification process. And ancient Greeks used it for medicinal properties such as soothing indigestion and headaches.
Lavender has been grown at the Cotswold farm for over 20 years. The herbs thrive in the well drained limestone soil. From modest beginnings, the farm now grows over 500,000 plants in 140 miles of rows. There are more than 450 varieties of lavender around the world; over 40 of them are grown on the farm.
As well as the wonderful views and the immersive experience within nature, there is much to commend the Cotswold Lavender Farm. It is a dog friendly location, car parking is free, there are W.C. facilities, a shop selling refreshments and gifts, and there’s no need to book ahead. A small entrance fee is payable on the door, with reduced rates for children (no charge for under 5s).
We visited at the weekend, when the fields are sometimes open until 8pm. As the Sun began to drop, the sound of the bees became more intense as they worked to gather final supplies for the day.
It was a wonderful experience, and one I recommend very highly if you have a chance. The fields are due to be open until mid-August, when the crop will be harvested. If the Cotswolds are out of reach, there are other lavender fields around the country; a few are highlighted here.
