Leaders in their field!

16th December 2010

In this case, the field is Lavender, essential and thriving!

At Inglenook Farm, on the Rainford Bypass, something truly unique has happened to a local company, Phytobotanica.

It has successfully established itself as the UK’s first organic lavender farm and is now a flourishing business, incorporating the National Essential Oil Farm and Research Centre, an on-site Distillery and Information Centre, a laboratory and, for those out there looking for a special seasonal something, a gift shop selling a fabulous range of essential oils, hand-made soaps, therapeutic herb creams as well as shampoos, shower gels and conditioners. Ideal hunting ground for Christmas presents.

Phytobotanica have come a long way since their humble beginnings in a small stable with four acres of trial essential oil crops in Lydiate. A lot has changed since the move to Rainford and they have blossomed. Now they have become global producers of essential oils, winning Entrepreneur of the Year in the St Helens Tourism and Leisure Awards and seeing its founder Dr Jane Collins addressing the First International Lavender Conference at Cambridge University.

But let’s not get too academic here, as an up and coming venue the Farm has a vision and Inglenook recently invited visitors to step back in time when they hosted a traditional Victorian Weekend and Craft Fayre. Opened by the Mayor of St.Helens it proved a roaring success, exceeding all expectations. This is definitely one for the 2011 diary!

The secret is they’ve brought Reindeer to Rainford. Should that now be Reinford?

Because from now until the end of December the Farm is the home of Father Christmas who’ll be in his Grotto with his 4 live reindeer. This really is a treat for all the family, both young and old. Who could resist the opportunity of looking into the eyes of these beautiful animals and of course giving Santa your Christmas wish list?

Bring the kids, family and friends for a great day out, because also on site till the New Year is the Outdoor Skating Rink and Fairground including a Helter Skelter and Crooked House; a great distraction for excited little ones!

Everyone can warm up in front of log fires in the tearooms serving homemade cakes and scones with tea and coffee served on bone china with old-fashioned finesse. It doesn’t stop there as teatime family discounts are also available.

Is there no end to what’s on offer? It would seem not as there’s the opportunity to see Lucky the rescued sheep, Kirky the Cockerel and his harem of hens plus Guinea Fowl nesting in the Dutch Barn.

Take time out; you’re worth it as you’ll be rewarded with an all round memorable Christmas experience.