Flintshire farm launches pumpkin picking despite 'challenging' year

Swans farm shop is based in the village of Treuddyn and was launched by husband and wife team Clive and Gail on their farm 18 years ago. 

The family-run farm planted between three to four thousand pumpkins in April of this year after successful 'Pick your own sunflower' activities throughout the past two summers.

Gail Swan said: "We have got to continually look for new ideas as a business and for new ways to make our farm sustainable and to move forward and provide an income for our family."

This summer brought several periods of drought and heatwaves which have had a huge impact on British farming. 

Mrs Swan added: "It was the toughest farming year in history, weather-wise, as the grass was not growing, corn was not growing."

Despite the difficult weather the farm is extremely happy with their pumpkins and has a range of sizes in orange, green and even white. 

In front of the shop entrance there is a display indicating the various prices and pumpkins available.

Mrs Swan feels that transparency is an important aspect of their business: "Everything we do here is about being transparent, so all the prices and sizes are at the front so everyone knows."

They have also positioned two pig pens near the pumpkin fields allowing visitors to view their eight-week-old piglets. 

They say allowing families to enjoy their time at the farm whilst picking the pumpkin is crucial. 

Tractor at Swan's farm shop The Leader - Newsquest (Image: The Leader - Newsquest)

Mrs Swan added: "We are literally in the middle of nowhere, a farm shop in the middle of a field on the side of a road, therefore we have to give reasons for people to come to us.

"We want people to take a step back - get out to nature and see how amazing this area in north east Wales is."

The farm is almost completely sustainable as the large majority of food for the animals is grown on-site. 

The farm produces beef and pork which they sell at the farm shop as well as a range of local producers and manufacturers, including beers from Hafod Brewery in Mold, gin from Angel Feathers in Denbighshire, and jams and chutneys from Mostyn.

The farm is open for pumpkin picking from 9am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday until October 29. Sensible footwear, such as wellies, is recommended and dogs can be brought on a lead.