LOTMEAD Farm is looking to grow its team.

The pick-your-own activity has now developed into a family day out with fruit and vegetables, a growing play area, a small animal enclosure and nature area.

Its team is looking to appoint a horticultural assistant to provide support and expertise in developing the crops and pick-your-own event ready for 2022.

Manager John Meaden said: “This is a key position at Lotmead and is a person who enables us to prepare for the forthcoming season. Even though we close to the public at the end of October once pumpkin picking is finished, October to December is a very busy time for us as we need to get the PYO ready for spring.

“Jobs that need to be done at the start of winter include moving 8,000 grow bags, mowing with the tractor and lifting potatoes, and so you need to be able to work on your own and as a team. The ideal person would hit the ground running and be used to having a very physical job outside in all weathers, ideally with experience in the horticultural or agricultural sector and if possible with a forklift operators licence.

“The horticultural team at Lotmead is small and hardworking, but it is very rewarding to see the difference you can make and to see your hard work pay off as new shoots appear. This role is initially fixed term for three months, Monday to Friday with overtime and weekends as needed, however this can be extended to a permanent position for the right person.

“We have big plans for new additions to the PYO for 2022. Lotmead continued to develop and grow throughout the pandemic and we’re keen to continue building on this success.”

Lotmead Farm PYO is open daily from 9.30am until 5pm with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, sweetcorn, potatoes and runner beans now available for picking. Find out more at www.lotmead.co.uk.

For more information, email info@lotmead.co.uk