ABOUT SLADE FARM
We are Pete and Sophie (Mr & Mrs Pumpkin) and we live on our farm in Rogate with our three children who, like our pumpkins, range from munchkin size to monsters!
In June we plant 25 different varieties of pumpkin, gourds and squash and then in September over 200,000 are individually handpicked from our fields and carefully stored. This is when the magic begins. Throughout the year, our cattle happily graze in the fields. Over a matter of weeks, these fields are transformed into our pumpkin-themed outdoor event.
As if by magic, the Patch disappears a few weeks later and the cattle return. We are left to wonder if it was all a dream. Our ethos is based around creating a wonderful day out for visitors of all ages, which is a sustainable and authentic experience. Our local multi-talented creative team who are all friends and family, reuse and recycle materials to create all the attractions and unique installations for this event. Everything you see is built from scratch. The design and build of each unique installation and staged scene is conjured up in storage lock-ups on the farm by our multi-skilled magicians.
Creative Team
Our creative team gather and recycle old materials. They conjure up new magical installations by bringing these discarded items back to life, reimagining them with careful restoration and unique transformations throughout the year.
Event Team
Our amazing team of helpers make sure that everything runs smoothly on the day. They are the faces who welcome you and ensure that your day is as magical and enchanting as you hoped.
The Artists
Our super-talented artists use their unrivalled hocus pocus to create all the signage and amazing details which set our Pumpkin Patch apart from other events and make it such fun.
Pumpkin Sellers
Our pumpkin sellers are hugely knowledgeable and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about all the squashes to ensure you choose the right pumpkins.
Production Team
The event takes months to plan and build. The team carefully organise the build of each themed attraction and area so they are perfectly staged for your visit.
Wheelbarrow Warriors
We have plenty of wheelbarrows on site for you to fill and transport from the Patch to your car. Our Wheelbarrow Warriors are there to help and support you on the day and help keep the site tidy and looking spick and span for your visit.
Established in 1923 by Bill (William) Davey, Slade Farm is a third-generation family run farm growing pumpkins, asparagus, sweetcorn and cereals nestled in the South Downs in West Sussex.
In 2007, we introduced Slade Farm Pumpkins and we are now one of the leading suppliers of pumpkins throughout the UK to wholesale and retail distributors. We supply anywhere in the UK.
WORKING WITH NATURE
Every year we plant sections of our fields with Phaecelia, a pollinator friendly plant which creates a nectar rich haven for butterflies, hoverflies and bees and this year they have absolutely loved it! It’s also a green manure that naturally improves the soil and prevents nitrogen degradation. It’s all part of our regenerative farming programme here on Slade Farm. As custodians of 2,000 acres of farmland, we are committed to looking after every acre so it not only meets the needs of today but for future generations which means favouring techniques that emulate and support nature.
