ALTHOUGH the numbers were down on last year there were still plenty of visitors who enjoyed the lavender fields open days near Selborne.

July is when the lavender is is in full bloom so the tour of the lavender fields was a must, as well as attending the talks on how it is grown and harvested.

The talks and tours form part of life on Hartley Park Farm, home of Anne and Tim Butler, and the whole family are there not only to greet visitors but to take them on guided tours and talk about the work of the farm.

Simon Butler was in charge of the tractor tours, helped by Robert, around the arable acres of the farm and visitors got a chance to see the new grain store.

He was also in charge of the fun tractor rides which both the adults and children enjoyed and afterwards they were able to enjoy cream teas and ploughman lunches or they could try a glass of Jenkyn Place sparkling wine.

There was an aromatherapy tent set in the lavender fields and also each weekend there were talks on beekeeping, first by the Meon Valley Beekeepers and then their Petersfield counterparts.

Tina Bolton ran a photography workshop and there was also a whole range of lavender products on sale.

Sue Sharland, shop manager, said “Although numbers were slightly down on last year probably, because of the weather, both weekends were very successful, and our lavender products sold very well.

“People are beginning to remember what our grandmothers used to say how useful lavender was, not just as a perfume. It keeps away moths, it is good for burns and also the oil is good for the skin and it can also help you sleep.”

Mr and Mrs Butler use the open days to raise money for charity and this year they have chosen The Rosemary Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young.