A new pick-your-own wildflower meadow is opening to the public this Saturday, 26th July, offering visitors the chance to hand-pick British-grown blooms in a peaceful Cumbrian setting.
Just three miles from Penrith, alongside the River
Petteril at Newton Reigny Wild Acres is a brand new
family-friendly destination combining countryside charm with sustainability
with parking available on site.
The project is the brainchild of Helen Dent, who was
inspired by her nature-loving toddler and a passion for the environment.
“Watching my little one explore the meadow, spotting
butterflies and birds while I gather flowers – it brings me so much joy,” said
Helen. “I wanted to share that experience with others and help people reconnect
with where things come from.”
With its rolling grasses, vibrant native blooms, and views
across a working agroforestry pasture, the field is designed to be both
beautiful and beneficial – for people, pollinators, and the planet.
A New Twist on a British Favourite
Pick-your-own farms have long been part of British rural
life – from summer strawberries to autumn pumpkins. Now, wildflower picking is
emerging as the next must-do countryside activity, combining creativity,
outdoor fun, and a deeper connection to nature.
Visitors pay per container and can fill it with as many
stems as they like, choosing from a colourful array of British-grown
wildflowers. The site is perfect for children, couples, nature lovers – and
anyone in need of a peaceful afternoon outdoors.
Set beside the River Petteril, the field is buzzing with
wildlife. Regular visitors include bees, butterflies, hares, goldfinches,
willow warblers and more.
Local Flowers, Lower Footprint
The project also highlights the environmental benefits of
choosing locally grown flowers. Most supermarket bouquets are flown in from
thousands of miles away, often from Kenya or the Netherlands, and come with a
significant carbon footprint.
According to Flowers from the Farm, a typical mixed
bouquet of imported blooms can produce over 31kg of CO₂. By contrast, a
UK-grown bunch of 15 outdoor stems emits around 1.7kg – and hand-picked
flowers from a meadow like Helen’s have an even smaller footprint.
“These flowers haven’t travelled across the world wrapped in
plastic,” said Helen. “They’ve grown a few fields away – and picking them is
part of the experience.”
Events and Experiences
In addition to flower picking, the site will host a series
of events throughout the season, including:
The first event, a Wildflower Workshop, takes place
on Sunday 10th August and includes a hands-on flower arranging class
using blooms picked from the meadow. Tickets are available now via the website.
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic or pre-order an
afternoon tea from local producers Hungry Farmer Catering.
Opening Details
Opening Day: Saturday 26th July
Open: Every Friday to Sunday, 10am–4pm, for as long as the
flowers last
Location: Wild Acres, 3 miles from Penrith, at Newton Reigny
Access: Easy from the M6, A66 and B5305
Full details can be found via https://www.wildacrescumbria.co.uk/
Whether you’re after a relaxing countryside experience, a fun family day out, or a unique hand-tied bouquet, Wild Acres offers something beautifully different – all just a stone’s throw from Penrith.
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