Lotmead Farm is the south west’s only representative on the shortlist for the national Pick Your Own of the Year Farm Retail awards

Owned by Norman Parry and managed by John and Sue Meaden, Lotmead has been providing locals the opportunity to pick their own fruit and veg since 1983. 

Norman said: “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the award once more. We have been shortlisted twice before, and won the overall award once too, so this indicates we’re doing something right.

“Each year we try and make the pick your own bigger and better so families can have a great day out and then go home with fruit and vegetables that not only surpasses the quality they get in the supermarkets but is usually better value, too.

“To be the only pick your own shortlisted in the south west is outstanding and we are keeping everything crossed that we’ll be walking away with the top prize at the ceremony next year.”

The four finalists from Worcestershire, Northumberland, Kent and Swindon will go through to the gala dinner and awards ceremony in March 2022.

Chairman of the Farm Retail Association Rob Copley said: “The quality of the entrants is extremely high and this will be a tough category to judge. 

“This shows the calibre of our PYO businesses in the UK and each finalist should be very proud. We look forward to celebrating the very best in the business at our awards ceremony next March. Good luck to all our finalists.”

Lotmead also offers pumpkin picking in the autumn and Christmas trees in winter. 

There are fruit-themed play areas for children and enclosures that allow visitors to get close to a selection of animals, including pygmy goats, alpacas, pigs, chickens and guinea pigs. 

There’s also a nature trail, a bird hide and sanctuary and a farm shop.