Funds raised at green fingered Barters Farm

BARTERS Farm Nursery held two open days earlier this month, whilst also contributing to charity fundraising. Visitors had the chance of a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the nursery and the organisers thank visitors for their support and contributions.

The nursery is behind Barters Plant Centre in Chapmanslade, and grows plants for wholesale. However, on 27th September and 4th October the nursery opened its doors to the public, who were given the opportunity to pick their own plants to buy at trade prices. Owner Legh Walker said, “We had a great response to opening the nurseries, and had perhaps 600 people in over the two days. Giving access to the nursery was good because I think people enjoy seeing what goes on behind the scenes. The visitors also made our fundraising a huge success; we raised £375 for Macmillan from sales of coffee and cake on the days. In addition to this, we raised £197 for the charity Perennial by collecting yew clippings to be made into drugs for cancer patients.

“It was really encouraging to see so many people visit and to get involved with the rural community. With so much competition from national companies, businesses like ours have to try and establish themselves in the local community, and we couldn’t do that without our customers. For that I’d like to thank everyone who came. We’re already thinking about doing it again in the spring.”

Barters Farm Nursery grows plants for wholesale all year round, but also hosts practical training for gardening courses run out of Somerset Skills and Learning. This year they grew apples for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and supported The Living Bar Company.

Barters Plant Centre  is open daily to the public, at High St, Chapmanslade, Westbury. BA13 4AL, call 01373 832294, or go to www.barters.co.uk.