Lavender UK
Lavender and its benefits
Lavender has a variety of benefits, some of the most notable include:
- Calming and relaxing: The scent of lavender is known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. This can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, as well as improve the overall quality of sleep.
- Improved sleep: Research has shown that people who use lavender oil before bedtime tend to sleep more soundly and wake up feeling more refreshed. This is likely due to the calming and soothing properties of lavender, which can help to reduce the activity of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a more restful sleep.
- Pain relief: Lavender oil can also be used topically to relieve pain and inflammation, such as headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps.
- Skincare: Lavender oil can also be used in skin care to help soothe and heal irritated skin, reduce redness, and prevent wrinkles and acne.
- Wound healing: Lavender oil has antimicrobial properties and can be used as a natural remedy to help heal cuts, scrapes, and burns.
- Hair care: Lavender oil can also be used to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, and keep the scalp healthy.
- Aromatherapy: Inhaling the scent of lavender can also promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood.
It’s important to note that while lavender oil has many benefits, it’s important to use it in the right way and with caution, as it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It’s always best to do a patch test before using it.
History of Lavender in the UK
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and aromatic properties. The history of lavender in the UK is a rich and fascinating one, with the plant has played an important role in the country’s culture and economy for hundreds of years.
The first recorded use of lavender in the UK dates back to the Roman occupation when the plant was used for its medicinal properties and as a source of perfume. Roman soldiers would bathe in water infused with lavender to help heal wounds and soothe sore muscles.
During the Middle Ages, lavender was used in the UK for a variety of purposes, including as a strewing herb to freshen up homes, as an ingredient in perfumes and as a treatment for a variety of ailments. Monks in medieval monasteries grew lavender and distilled the oil, which was then used in perfumes and as medicine.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, lavender cultivation in the UK began to expand rapidly, particularly in the south of England. The mild climate and fertile soils of the region proved to be perfect for growing lavender, and the plant became an important crop for many farmers.
One of the most famous lavender fields in the UK is in the county of Kent, where the practice of growing lavender as a crop was introduced by a Frenchman, M. Lenoir, in the early 19th century. The lavender grown in this region is known as the “Kentish Lavender” and is considered to be of the highest quality.
In the 20th century, the use of synthetic perfumes and the decline of traditional farming practices led to a decline in lavender cultivation in the UK. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the plant, with many farmers and small-scale growers once again turning to lavender as a crop.
Nowadays, lavender is grown in many parts of the UK, and it’s used for a variety of purposes, including as a natural remedy, as an ingredient in cosmetics and as a decorative plant. The UK has some of the most important lavender farms in the world and it’s not uncommon to find lavender farms that are open to the public, where you can see the distillation process and purchase products made from lavender.
The history of lavender in the UK is a long and fascinating one, with the plant has played an important role in the country’s culture and economy for centuries. From its use by Roman soldiers to its cultivation by farmers in the 18th and 19th centuries, lavender has been a cherished plant in the UK for many years, and it continues to be today.
Uses of Lavender in the UK
Lavender is a popular herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated in the United Kingdom. The plant is known for its fragrant aroma and has a wide range of uses, both in the home and in the garden.
One of the most common uses of lavender in the UK is as a fragrance. The plant’s essential oil is used in perfumes, candles, and soaps, and it is also a popular ingredient in potpourri. Many people also place dried lavender in drawers and closets to freshen up their clothes and linens.
Lavender is also used for its medicinal properties. The essential oil is used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. It can be added to a bath or applied topically to the skin. Inhalation of lavender oil is also used to reduce stress and anxiety.
In the garden, lavender is often used as an ornamental plant. The plant’s blue-purple flowers and fragrant aroma make it a popular choice for borders and rock gardens. It is also a popular ingredient in cottage gardens and Mediterranean-style gardens.
Lavender is also used in cooking, the floral and slightly sweet taste of lavender can be used to add flavour to desserts, such as cookies and cakes, as well as savoury dishes, such as meat and vegetable dishes.
In conclusion, lavender has a wide range of uses in the United Kingdom. Its fragrant aroma and medicinal properties make it a popular choice for perfumes, candles, and soaps, while its ornamental value and versatility in cooking make it a popular choice for gardens and kitchens.
Lavender Fields in the UK
Lavender fields in the UK have become a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquillity and beauty of nature. These fields, which are often found in the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds and Yorkshire, offer a glimpse into the world of farming and the hard work that goes into cultivating these fragrant flowers. Visitors can take in the breathtaking sights of rows upon rows of vibrant purple blooms, breathe in the soothing scent of lavender, and even purchase products made from plants such as oils and soaps. In this article, we will delve into the history and culture of lavender farming in the UK, and take a closer look at some of the most famous lavender fields in the country.
Mayfield Lavender Farm
Mayfield Lavender is a story of passion, hard work, and determination. The farm was created by Brendan Maye, who in the 1990s and early 2000s was the Managing Director of the fine fragrance division of Wella UK. At the time, Wella owned Yardley, an old English Lavender brand that was struggling to compete in the increasingly competitive fragrance market.
To regenerate interest in Yardley, Brendan wanted to re-establish its lavender credentials by growing lavender. This would visually demonstrate how beautiful lavender is and provide a focal point for the brand. However, the board at Wella rejected Brendan’s plans because they didn’t want to buy a farm. Over the next couple of years, Brendan worked on other ways to develop the business and in 2000 he met BioRegional, a local environmental charity and asked for their help. He proposed using his marketing budget to sponsor the charity to plant lavender and he personally stood as guarantor for the lease of the land. The Wella board allowed the project to go ahead and in 2002 Brendan secured the lease of the field at Banstead, which happened to be one of the original Victorian Lavender fields.
The 25-acre farm is at the heart and soul of the Mayfield Lavender Story. The field was planted with the help of BioRegional. In the first year, having planted half the field with 70,000 tiny plugs, disaster struck when the crows and magpies pulled up each and every one of the small plugs! Undeterred, Brendan replanted the field the following year. This time with success! In 2004 the other half of the field was planted with two different varieties.
In 2005 the plan had to be reconsidered when Proctor & Gamble bought Wella. The following year, Yardley was sold and the acquiring company had no interest in the sponsorship program, choosing instead to focus on the export business for Yardley. BioRegional could not sustain the project without funding. Brendan, who was now working as MD for the Fine Fragrance Division of Procter & Gamble kept in touch with BioRegional because he was concerned that the project might falter. Following many conversations with Bioregional who could not find a new sponsor Brendan agreed to buy the lavender from Bioregional. Brendan could now finally directly influence the management of the lavender farm and using the family name as inspiration he incorporated Mayfield Lavender Ltd to manage the development of the farm. As Brendan’s work with Procter and Gamble extended to the management of countries outside the UK he handed the reigns over to his wife Lorna, who was at home looking after their two young daughters and overnight she became a lavender farmer! She quickly became the driving force behind the Mayfield Lavender enterprise and worked tirelessly to turn a dream into a reality.
In 2008 Brendan had enough international travel and decided to leave the corporate world to focus on more local life working together with Lorna they opened the farm to visitors. The beauty of their farm and the power of word-of-mouth recommendations from visitors saw the awareness of their work increase each year and visitors started to come from all over the world. In 2010 a new opportunity arose. Brendan and Lorna bought a dilapidated plant nursery in Epsom that sits on 12 acres of land overlooking Central London. It was in a really terrible condition and after nearly 4 years of painful work the land was cleared of rubbish, the orchard was nurtured back to life and property buildings were renovated – glasshouses re-roofed, polytunnels reskinned and buildings rewired, re-plumbed, cleaned and painted – after years of neglect it was restored and it is beautiful again
Cotswold Lavender
Hill Barn Farm, located in the picturesque Cotswold region, has been a family-run farm for three generations. In 1994, the current owners made the move to the farm and have seen the landscape evolve and change over the past 30 years. Despite the growth of woodland and hedges, many of the places where the owners played as children still remain, and now they have the opportunity to watch their own children play in those same fields. The farm is now opening up the Beechwood Trail to allow others to experience the beauty of the land and create memories with their families.
The farm is known for its lavender fields, but they also grow a variety of other crops including wheat, barley, beans, and linseed. These crops are harvested after the lavender season has ended, and the farm is bustling with activity all year round. In addition to crop cultivation, a significant amount of time is spent maintaining the Cotswold stone walls, hedges, and planting trees. In 1999, the farm diversified by starting to grow lavender on a small scale, but over the years, it has grown to encompass almost 70 acres of lavender. The farm’s lavender oil and other products are sold throughout the UK and around the world.
As the business has grown, the farm has welcomed others to join the team, but family values remain at the core of the operation. The farm is committed to providing high-quality products while preserving the natural beauty of the land and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy it.
Yorkshire Lavender
The Yorkshire Lavender farm is a true family endeavour, born out of tragedy and a desire to honour the memory of a loved one. Nearly 27 years ago, the family acquired 60 acres of south-facing farmland just outside Terrington, and since then, it has been a journey of discovery for all of them. The beauty and therapeutic nature of lavender have played a significant role in this journey.
From a few experimental rows in the beginning, the farm now boasts hundreds of different lavender and herb varieties that visitors can admire and purchase in their specialized plant nursery. The farm is a sight to behold in the summer, with its stunning array of different colours and heady scents. The lavender ranges from white to a complete spectrum of blues, lilacs, and deep purples.
One of the great pleasures for the family has been tracing the history of the lavender plant and its uses. For centuries, lavender oil has been known for its healing and antiseptic properties, and the family has continued this tradition by creating their own line of Yorkshire Lavender Products. The name “Lavandula” itself comes from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash,” a testament to the plant’s historical use as a natural remedy. With a resurgent interest in natural remedies, the popularity of lavender has deservedly been on the rise.
Norfolk Lavender
The Norfolk Lavender Farm is steeped in history and tradition. Founded by Linn Chilvers, who had always dreamed of growing lavender on a large scale, the farm began as a partnership with Francis ‘Ginger’ Dusgate in 1932. Despite initial scepticism from local farmers, the two men planted 13,000 lavender plants on six acres of land, beginning the long tradition of Norfolk Lavender.
Over the years, the farm has grown and evolved, with the addition of distillation equipment to produce high-quality lavender oil. This oil is used in the farm’s world-renowned Norfolk Lavender products, which range from traditional lavender sachets to more unique offerings like lavender-infused ice cream.
In addition to the products, the farm also offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and fragrances of the lavender fields, as well as the chance to learn about the history and uses of lavender in cooking, medicine, and aromatherapy. The farm’s website also features a variety of recipes that incorporate lavender, allowing visitors to take a piece of the farm home with them.
Despite its growth and success, the Norfolk Lavender Farm has remained true to its roots, maintaining the values and traditions that have made it a beloved destination for generations. Whether you are a seasoned lavender enthusiast or a curious first-time visitor, the farm is a must-see destination that offers a unique and enriching experience.
Lavender Farm Hampshire
The Lavender Fields in Hampshire are a sight to behold. Nestled on a picturesque south-facing farmland, just outside Terrington, the farm has been a family project for 27 years. It all started with small experimental rows, but now it boasts hundreds of different lavender and herb varieties that visitors can admire and purchase in their specialist plant nursery.
In the summer, the fields come alive with an array of different colours, from white through a complete range of blues, and lilacs to magnificent deep purples, along with a range of distinct and heady scents. This is truly a wonderful experience.
The farm has a rich history, tracing the uses of lavender from centuries ago, where it was primarily used for its healing and antiseptic properties. Herbalists believed that most ailments could be helped by the use of lavender, often steeped in hot water. Today, the farm continues this tradition by producing its own Yorkshire Lavender Products using the lavender oil produced on the farm.
Visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of the fields but also learn about the history of lavender and its various uses. The farm also offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, and groups of friends. If you’re looking for an enriching and unique experience, the Lavender Fields in Hampshire is a must-visit destination.
Additional References:
- “Lavender: The Genus Lavandula” by Susyn Andrews
- “Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche” by Peter Holmes
- “The Country Life Book of Herbs: Their Cultivation, Cookery and Household Uses” by Marjorie Quennell
- “The English Lavender Field” by Susan C. Law