Essex pumpkin patches warn of surge in deliberate vandalism
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 21:34 · Archive
Two award-winning Essex pumpkin patches have warned visitors after a surge in deliberate pumpkin-smashing.
Two Essex pumpkin patches have issued public warnings after visitors deliberately smashed pumpkins at their attractions. Hatter's Farm in Takeley, which was recently named Britain's best pumpkin-picking patch, reported finding damaged pumpkins across the patch ahead of the busy half-term period. Farmers Grace and Ross McGowan posted on social media asking visitors to stop the vandalism, calling it 'the worst year for it yet' and saying they felt compelled to make a public appeal for the first time.
A second attraction, the Pumpkin Patch in East Bergholt, separately revealed that hundreds of pumpkins had been deliberately smashed by visitors. Boss Laura Harris said her team was devastated after months spent cultivating the crop, describing the vandalism as 'genuinely heartbreaking'.
Both farms emphasised the effort involved in growing pumpkins for public picking. Hatter's Farm said it had poured 'effort and love' into the attraction this year, with improvements including better parking, more food and extra displays. Growers say many visitors do not realise that pumpkins take months of planting, care and maintenance before harvest.
The McGowans thanked visitors who respected the patch, saying that meant 'the world' to them. They appealed to guests who witnessed vandalism to discourage others, writing, 'If you are visiting and see someone smashing pumpkins – please feel free to give them the look'.
Pumpkin patches have become increasingly popular with families across Essex, drawing thousands of visitors each October.
How it is being reported
- SECOND Essex pumpkin patch issues warning after 'worst year yet' for vandalsAn award-winning pumpkin patch is the second in Essex to warn visitors after a surge in deliberate pumpkin-smashingBrentwood Guardian · 29 Oct, 20:42
- SECOND Essex pumpkin patch issues warning after 'worst year yet' for vandalsAn award-winning pumpkin patch is the second in Essex to warn visitors after a surge in deliberate pumpkin-smashingColchester Gazette · 29 Oct, 20:42
- SECOND Essex pumpkin patch issues warning after 'worst year yet' for vandalsAn award-winning pumpkin patch is the second in Essex to warn visitors after a surge in deliberate pumpkin-smashingEcho (Basildon) · 29 Oct, 20:42
In this story: Hatter's Farm · Grace McGowan · Ross McGowan · Takeley · Pumpkin Patch · East Bergholt · Laura Harris
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