Canalside Farm reopens pick-your-own strawberry service

The owners of Canalside Farm, near Stafford, said they were delighted to see visitors back on the farm, enjoying themselves.

“It has been a very challenging few months for everyone, so we were absolutely thrilled to see people back on the farm having a great day out," said owner Chris Barton.

"It has been one of the hottest May’s on record, and with the children at home, I think people were desperate to get out and about again, and to do something ‘normal’.

"We have put strict safety measures in place and had a few ‘trial runs’, so we are confident that our new systems ensure that everyone is safe and adhering to all the guidelines.

“The access to the service is no longer through the Farm Shop, but outside in the fresh air, so if there is a queue, people can easily stand two metres apart.

"A member of staff is on hand to greet people, and show each ‘household’ to their designated ‘lane’, where they are the only people picking on that row.

"Once they have picked their strawberries, they can pay at the outside till, that has a contactless card machine.”

Canalside’s strawberries are grown under cover in polytunnels and on table tops, so they can be picked in any weather.

The farm is also hoping to open their pick-your-own raspberries at the end of July and pumpkins in October.

If you would like to visit the farm, the pick-your-own service is open daily from 10am to 3pm. Check the attraction's Facebook page for difference in closure times if all the strawberries have been picked.

The café is currently closed, but there is a new take-way hut, serving refreshments such as coffee, cakes and sandwiches, which is open every day from 10am until 3.30pm.

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