FPC visits the cherry orchards of Mount Ephraim - July 2011

The orchards of Mount Ephraim, nr Faversham in Kent provide some of the finest cherries in the UK and so we were delighted when owners Sandys and Lesley Dawes, invited us to visit their beautiful estate set in the 'Garden of England', to learn more about this successful family business.

Mount Ephraim is impressive - it was established at the turn of the 18th century by Sandys' ancestors who were sea faring gentlemen and many of whom feature in spectacular portraits hanging in and around the grand entrance hall. The history is fascinating, for over 300 years it has remained in the Dawes family and continues to function as a family home now passed to son Will.

In the summer time Shakesperean plays are enacted in the grounds and the sound of leather on willow can be heard on the front lawn where a fully maintained pitch is home to the village cricket club. This quintessential corner of England's green and pleasant land features 10 acres of stunning Edwardian terraced gardens against a breathtaking backdrop of Kent countryside.

Elaborate topiary of clipped yew forms part of the formal gardens which were laid out in the early 1900s and restored by the family in the 1950s. Open to the public throughout the summer months the relaxed, friendly welcome is endorsed by the most delightful retrievers and a large family of ducks who wander freely, sharing picnics and joining thespians on the outdoor stage on occasion. Lesley is a hands on driving force within the team and her passion for Mount Ephraim is evident both inside the grand house with its functions and tea rooms, and in the spectacular gardens which she continues to develop with the help of her two full time gardeners.

The grounds are also home to fresh produce industry summer events - Richard Thompson and fellow directors of GT Produce recently hosted a marquee event in conjunction with their latest acquisition, the Ron Salter Kent fruit farming business, for local growers and wholesalers.

The Mount Ephraim estate includes 300 acres of pasture, 300 acres of woodland and 100 acres of fruit orchards which include pears, apples and plums. Sandys planted the first cherry trees in 15 acres in the late 80s and this increased to today's 45 acres which produces 50 tonnes of top quality fruit per year with an average yield of 10 kilos per tree. We sampled the Penny variety which was very good indeed and also peaches which are grown alongside apricots. With this success and expertise it is no surprise that Sandys is the current Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers.

The farm uses nets for crop protection and interestingly was one of the first in the UK to install polytunnels which provide clear climatic advantages and significant increased yield. Sandys and son Will maintain an innovative approach to the business and we look forward to catching up on future developments.

Following our fabulous guided tour with Sandys we returned with him to The Orchard where we enjoyed further discussions with him and Lesley on a range of topics including industry challenges, FPC initiatives over an excellent lunch. The estate is remarkable, the hospitality outstanding and the unpretentious, hands on approach is hugely impressive. This is undoubtedly the very Best of British and we wish the Dawes legacy every success for the future.