Sunflowers unlock tourism potential on family farm

A farmer’s son has established a pick-your-own sunflower diversification on the family farm, inspired by his school’s vocational learning course in tourism.

Fifteen-year-old William Neave, whose family farm at East Rudham, Norfolk, is planning to welcome the first paying visitors to the new 1.8ha attraction next week.

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Growing conditions have been challenging in the summer drought, but William says the crop had been “surprisingly resilient”.

Sunflowers can be tolerant to hot, dry weather, but careful management has still been needed to help the crop achieve maturity.

“The drought has made things very difficult, but sunflowers are surprisingly resilient. It has been rewarding to see them thrive despite the challenges and to create something positive that people can enjoy,” said William.

He is studying a BTEC in travel and tourism at Alderman Peel High School in Wells-next-the-Sea, and said it was this course that inspired him to develop the new attraction.

He planned the diversification, cultivated the field ready to plant the seeds, and developed the marketing around it.

William Neave © Helen Neave