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15
May
Nidderdale’s ‘first ever lavender farm’ opens near Pateley Bridge
A couple have fulfilled a decade-long dream by opening what they say is Nidderdale’s first lavender farm.
Nidderdale Lavender, which consists of 5,000 plants, is situated on a hillside overlooking Pateley Bridge.
Founders Melanie and Chris Baxter say they wanted to create a premium, small batch lavender enterprise rooted in landscape, craft, and community.
Ms Baxter said:
This has been a serious, multi-year investment in both time and resources. I grew up here in Nidderdale, just along this road, and moved back with my family 18 years ago. We’ve taken great care to do this properly. From planning permissions and environmental impact screenings to land preparation and sourcing high quality plants, we wanted to establish a small lavender farm that will thrive for decades. Now, the journey really begins.
The couple, who are considering hosting occasional, invitation only community gatherings at the farm, received guidance from the government-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme that supports nature recovery projects.
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