Estate preparing for pumpkin season following break in at sunflower patch

The Rougham estate is preparing for its pumpkin season which will be open to the public next month just days after they suffered a break in at its sunflower patch (pictured above).

The site, off The Battlies and close to the A14, had to close earlier this month after thieves forced their way onto the estate, which resulted in items being taken as well as damage to the facilities.

During the break-in, intruders threw items around, ripped down gazeebos and “made a hot mess of the picnic area”, the organisers alleged.

The estate said it was saddened by the incident and had to close a day early this year depriving visitors of picking the array of sunflowers.

However, it had been declared an immensely successful year – with tens of thousands of people flocking to the estate.

A statement from the estate said: “This is a disappointing end to what was a fantastic summer for us. It’s a minor hitch, but we will go full steam ahead with preparing for our pumpkin patch at the end of September. Visitors can also be certain the sunflower patch will return next year.”

And it posted a message on its Facebook site thanking those who supported them.

It said: “Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for the amazing, kind, caring comments you have shared since we posted about the break-in. 

“Thank you for the offers of help too. We have been overwhelmed by your generosity and concern. Sorry that we can’t respond to everyone individually.

“No-one was hurt, apart from feelings at the amount of things stolen and the mess left behind.

“It’s time to look ahead and get ready for the pumpkins, which will be opening on 30th September. 

“After the last two years of pumpkins, there will be tweaks and changes to make it better, with a much bigger growing area, a wider range of pumpkins and gourds to find (they are looking mighty fine already!), and more food options.”

Meanwhile, lots of work is progressing at the nearby Blackthorpe Barn to finish the new Roots Café.

The festive shop is being transformed into a new, sparkling experience, ready for the opening in mid-October, and the Arts & Crafts Fair will be starting in early November this year.

And the estate promised to be back with the sunflowers next year.