Flowers. Butterflies and Bees Project 2011
'Field of Dreams'
'The summer of 2011 will see our ‘Field of Dreams’ come true, promoting millions of wild flowers, creating an excellent environment for the butterflies and bees. But just as importantly a place where people can go and be at peace. Everyone needs a little piece of heaven’ This July and August Barcroft Hall Estate opens of one of the largest collections of annual wild flowers from around the world.
The Estate in South Petherton has purchased and renovated over 2 acres of abused land to create what Brian Herrick the owner and farmer describes as a ‘Field of Dreams’. Frequent visits since 2005 to study the flora in the Table Mountain National Park in South Africa (itself one of the only six floral Kingdoms in the world) and innumerable visits to Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town and Kew Gardens in London have inspired both Denise and Brian to try to emulate and display some of the incredible biodiversity that is available to see in the world.
In 2010 work commenced on 2 acres of neglected and abused land purchased by the Barcroft Hall Estate. Unsightly buildings were removed and tons of rubbish and waste taken away. In the spring of 2011, the clearance was complete and all plastics, metal and other alien 
materials had been removed.The road banks were rebuilt and new natural indigenous boundary hedging and trees were planted. The land was then mole ploughed for drainage, ploughed and harrowed to create a fine seed bed. Further clearance of buried waste brought to the surface through cultivating was removed.
Finally a mixture of 57 different flower species from around the world were broadcast sown at 4 grams per square metre in a substrate to obtain the best density of cover.
Annual plants were chosen under the guidance and supply of Clive Farrell, one of the country's leading lepidopterists and wild flower experts who runs the Ryewater Estate in Dorset together with many Butterfly World parks. Emorsgate
Seeds in Kings Lynn provided seed and further advice. But just as importantly a place where people can go and be at peace.
Brian commented that ‘In the current climate with such strains on families and especially the elderly everyone needs and should have a little piece of heaven to promote harmony, goodwill and understanding’
The ‘Field of Dreams’ will be open from 10am to 6pm
during July and August.
To register your booking please complete the registration form (click here)
(Entrance donations will be requested for local charities)