Digital News Production: Hugh Lowe Farms - Research.

After previously discussing ideas we had in mind, I decided to start some research looking into the farm and what else it does.

HUGH LOWE FARMS.

Our group found a story that took everyone's interest immediately - originally we wanted to look at upcoming awards for 'The Garden of England' but whilst browsing we saw a garden called 'Hugh Lowe Farms LTD' (had already won an award) this took our interest as the farm on the website is beautifully portrayed with imagery of the large domes (poly tunnels) that keep the food harvest all year round and the bright strawberries and raspberries that are showed in the image gallery. We thought looking at a farm would be unique and different, and would create a more interesting story talking about why and how they won an award whilst also promoting the work they do at the farm.
After further research we found imagery of all the staff on board and looked at what they each do and what their part in the farm is, begging the question... Why is the farm so different and won an award?

Source: http://www.hughlowefarms.com

I found out that not only is the farm producing, it also gives to the community and wants to help children learn about the produce. Looking on the website I discovered that HLF (Hugh Lowe Farms) donates fruit for charity events, raises money for red nose day and allows schools to visit the farm, showing them around not just the farm but inside the packhouse too. The seasonal staff also join in on local events and run a popular strawberry stall at there village fete which all the community are welcome to visit including promoting careers in farming to students.

The farm is around 400 acres and is protected under polytunnels which allows farmers to harvert from may to mid autumn instead of typical English weather which is during the 'summer' months June and July around 8 weeks. According to www.britishsummerfruits.co.uk Strawberries were previously very hard to grow in Britain. Alot of the strawberries was wasted or used for the processing of jam as the berries was not of high enough quality - unlike Spain, France and America which used polytunnels more frequently allowing more reliable climates and, dominated the UK market with imports. However, now British farmers use polytunnels more which protects 80% of soft fruit in supermarkets including tomatoes, onions, potatoes and obviously strawberries and raspberries.

I also discovered that the farm has had a few famous visitors to the farm including Dame Kelly (athlete) whilst also filming their own TV series with Michael Roux.

Filming their TV series.

Dame Kelly visiting the farm.

I decided to look further into the background of the garden and who runs it.

THE REGAN FAMILY.

The Regan family is the 5th generation that farms the land, having grown fruit for well over a century. Tom Pearson is the Farms manager and leads a team of 37 employees and 500 seasonal staff. The family encourages job applications from local residents as work is always grateful, as well as a lot of the seasonal staff being students from EU countries in the accommodation. The family not only works on the farm but they live on it too. The farm grows a mixture of fruits from Driscolls Jubilee heart shaped berries to Tulameen and Driscolls Carmel.

Source: http://www.berrygardens.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx

The farm came under a lot of scrutiny in July 2011 when campaigners had complained that the Poly tunnels was 'damaging the environment' and 'a blot on the landscape'. However, the locals opinions on the poly tunnels was extremely debated - with '191 letters of objection' and '147 letters of support'
Alot of the main objection was that poly tunnels took rain away from the fruits, which meant as the fruits needed to be watered, it would be 'wasting' water as it could receive water from the rain.

However, Mrs Reagan said: "We had no objection from the Environment Agency, no objection from Natural England and no objection from the Kent Wildlife Trust. The people who do know the detail of the application and the science behind it - they did not object."

Luckily, the Farm was able to keep the 400 acres of land and the poly tunnels and grow more fruits!

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-14137447

Not only does the farm donate to charity, grow berries and fruit, get in touch with students and school I also found out that it has built TWO polytunners for two local schools which allow the schools to grow their own fruit and vegetable. Also the farm hosts a Barn Dance every year for local charities. I found out on the website that the farm is affiliated with the other news story piece we may be looking into, The RSPB charity.

After all this research I understand why they have won an award for the 'Garden of England' champion - their award was won for Strawberries, the baby Jubilee variety.

I think this story would be interesting for our package news story as the elements in a package include;

• Interviews - we can interview the family and workers.
• G/V's (general views) / Cutaways - shots of the farm and the food they grow. 
• Set ups - The workers, any events happening.
• Graphics - Statistics on the farm.
• Sequences and actuality. - The process of picking fruits to the packing room.

I have wrote down all the details on a picture below so when we contact them we have all the information needed.

Hopefully the farm is interested in being in our news piece package as I think we could get some amazing shots from the farm and some actuality shots along with footage from any events on and the family.