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
What began as a conservation experiment has blossomed into Writtle Sunflowers — a much-loved Pick Your Own flower patch that’s been bringing joy (and buckets of blooms!) since 2003.
This summer, we’ve planted over a hectare of sunflowers for you to explore, along with expanded mixed flower areas buzzing with life, and have added even more classes and extras.
Come and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly day out in the countryside. You won’t get fresher flowers than those you’ve picked straight from the field on our family-run farm, just outside Chelmsford.
A fourth generation farmer, Ralph Metson founded D R Metson & Partners LLP in the 1970s, later joined by his nephew Robbie, They have been running a successful contracting business from Pooty Pools Farm for over 40 years, pioneering direct drilling in Essex — a technique still vital today as soil health takes centre stage.
The team has grown to include James Huxter, Matt (Rob’s son), and Jo (Ralph’s daughter), who leads on all things sunflower — often with a little help from her two small assistants! You’ll find the whole team lending a hand in the field throughout the season.
You’ll often spot us in the field — along with Brian, the bearded wonder (and possibly our very own Gerald?), who’s joined us from Oz every summer for over 30 years. Do come and say hello!
Writtle Sunflowers has become a big part of our family business. What started over 20 years ago has grown — through lots of hard work and learning — into the field you see today.
Sunflower season runs alongside harvest, making it our busiest time of year and the result of 12 months’ effort. Keep an eye out for tractors, trailers, and combines working away around the farm!
