| Sweet scent of success |
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| Written by Helen Gazeley, 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 2 History of Surrey lavenderLarge-scale commercial production of lavender began in Surrey around the mid-1700s. One major business became Potter and Moore, still in existence today, whose beauty products were once endorsed by stars such as Claudette Colbert and Gracie Fields.By 1850 the industry had expanded hugely, sending daily deliveries of herbs to London markets, and by 1900, itinerant workers harvested thousands of acres every August. But the industry declined after the First World War, affected by changing fashion and unable to compete with the import of cheaper French lavender and London's encroaching suburban development. The last harvest took place in 1933. Bioregional set up a three-acre community project in 1999, which was established on Stanley Road allotments in Carshalton. They put out a request locally for anyone who thought they might have old lavender plants originating in the area, and from these they took cuttings. The prisoners at HMP Downview grew these on, ready for planting, and in the meantime cleared the allotments. The allotments are still run with volunteers, although there has been some threat of their being ploughed under for housing. Having learnt a lot from the allotment venture, Bioregional then wanted to create a commercially viable project, always with a view to handing it on. Sponsorship was provided by Yardley for the 25-acre field. When Yardley was sold, the project seemed under threat but Lorna took it on in time for the first harvest, creating Mayfield Lavender. HMP Downview changed in 2001 from a male to a female closed prison and the lavender collaboration ceased. ContactsMayfield Lavender, Croydon Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3BE (not for correspondence). For information on opening times and to order oil visit www.Mayfieldlavender.com or phone Lorna on 07775 800133.Greenspace Information for Green London - www.gigl.org.uk BioRegional Development Group looks for ways of living and working that reduce consumption whilst maintaining a high quality of life and leaving space for wildlife and wilderness. Projects currently include the commercial production of paper from straw waste and hemp production for textiles - tel: 020 8404 4880, www.bioregional.co.uk Lavender farms around the country
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