Top pumpkin grower based in Outwell goes for new shed and reservoir

A Fenland farm which boasts being one of Europe’s biggest suppliers of pumpkins is looking for permission to build a new storage shed for the Halloween favourite.

Oakley Farms in Outwell grows around five million pumpkins each year and has now applied to West Norfolk Borough Council for permission for the storage building together with a wildlife-friendly reservoir.

According to a planning statement submitted in support of the application the banks of the reservoir will be planted with a “species-rich meadow mixture” which will benefit pollinators including bees and will also help birds and bats.

The reservoir will have shallow sloping margins which will allow the growth of vegetation and create a habitat suitable for a range of pondlife.

The new storage shed will be used to wash and grade pumpkins inside.

The planning statement explains the new building will enable the farm to better monitor and control the temperature, air flow and humidity which will help improve the shelf life of the pumpkins when they reach supermarkets, including Tesco, and other outlets.

Last year saw a bumper harvest of larger-than-usual pumpkins at Oakley Farms thanks to the rainy summer which was perfect growing conditions for the squash.