a little
ABOUT US
The Metson family have been farming in this area for over 100 years, and three generations of the family are currently working at Pooty Pools Farm.
Enjoy our
family farm
Starting off as an experiment in conservation, Writtle Sunflowers is a now a popular Pick Your Own flower patch. We have been selling flowers, offering a great day out and brightening homes since 2003.
This year we have planted over a hectare of sunflowers for everyone to enjoy, and expanded our wildflower areas.
Come and experience a family-friendly slice of country life. Pick the freshest blooms directly from our flower field just outside of Chelmsford, part of our family run farm.
Ralph and Robbie Metson have been running a successful contracting business at Pooty Pools Farm for more than 40 years, pioneering direct drilling in Essex—a technique that continues to be of great importance today due to the growing emphasis on soil health.
The farm team has expanded, and now includes James Huxter, and Matt, Rob’s son. Jo Pike, Ralph’s daughter, has assumed control of the office operations, encompassing all things sunflower. Her two little helpers like to pop along to the field too!
Alongside Brian, the bearded wonder (and our very own Gerald?) who has joined us from Oz every summer for over 30 years, you’ll find us all in the field, so please come and say hello.
Writtle Sunflowers is now a significant part of our business. Our sunflower journey began more than two decades ago, and after a lot of hard work and a steep learning curve, it has evolved into what you see today.
Sunflower season coincides with harvest, marking our busiest time of the year and the culmination of 12 months of hard work. So, keep an eye out for tractors, trailers, and combines hard at work on the farm!
