Turkey farmers invite public to donate Halloween pumpkins

Turkey farmers are asking households to donate unused Halloween pumpkins to participating farms from 1-7 November, giving the squash a second life as a seasonal treat for birds.

Pumpkin Feast Day will see farms across England accept pumpkins that would otherwise go to waste, with the initiative forming part of a campaign marking 500 years since turkeys first arrived in the UK.

See also: Waitrose commits to 100% fresh British turkeys for Christmas

Participating farms include:

• Kelly Bronze Springate Farm, Chelmsford, Essex
• Scobbiscombe Turkeys, Kingsbridge, Devon
• Temple Farm Turkeys, Harlow, Essex
• Cottage Farm Turkeys, Sevenoaks, Kent
• Herons Farm, Coggeshall, Essex
• Lower Clopton Farm Shop, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
• Treway Farm Cornish Turkeys, St Austell, Cornwall
• Franklins Farm, Sandy, Bedfordshire

Visitors should check individual farms’ websites and social media accounts for drop-off dates and times before travelling.

Pumpkins provide turkeys with a nutritious snack, offering a practical way to reuse seasonal produce after Halloween.

However, only pumpkins that have been carved or used as outdoor displays, away from food preparation areas, can be donated for turkey feed under the scheme’s requirements.

Farmers are also welcoming surplus pumpkins from supermarkets and food shops.

Supporting British poultry

The wider campaign celebrates the role of British turkey in Christmas celebrations, while encouraging consumers to buy whole British birds and make use of leftovers.

Turkey can be used in a range of dishes beyond the traditional Christmas roast, including sandwiches, curries and pies, helping households make the most of their purchase.

The initiative aims to reduce waste while connecting local communities with turkey farms ahead of the festive season.