1922.] 



Strawberry Growing. 



911 



STRAWBERRY GROWING IN THE 

 CHEDDAR VALLEY OF SOMERSET. 



A. D. K. Walbank, N.D.A. 

 Ministry of Agriculture. 



Cheddar Valley is situated about twenty miles south-west of 

 Bristol and is completely protected from the north and paiiially 

 from the east by the Mendip Hills. The Valley extends fi'om 

 the village of Cross to the county town of Wells, but only the 

 area lying between Axbridge and Draycott is used for strawberry 

 growing. A branch line of the Great Western Railway serves the 

 Valley. The ]\Iendip Hills rise fairly steeply out of the Valley, 

 and it is chiefly in " pockets " on the slopes of these hills, 

 and at their base, that market gardening is caiTied on. Although 

 the geological formation is carboniferous limestone, at least 

 three types of soil are met with — a bra shy soil on the higher 

 slopes; a light red marl; and a black soil, which does not appear 

 to be entirely devoid of clay in the lower levels. 



Growth of the Industry. — "Market gardening has flourished in 

 the district for many years, but the introduction of strawberry 

 growing on a commercial basis dates back only some 85 years. 

 It was first commenced at Axbridge. For several years market 

 gardeners were suspicious of the financial returns to be derived 

 from the new crop, but when the ordinary early vegetable crops 

 of the district reahsed lower prices in Bristol market there was a 

 rush to take up strawberry growing, which reached its maximum 

 about fifteen years ago. It then sufi^ered a gTadual decline, 

 which was accentuated by various disturbing conditions operating 

 during the war-period. At the present time the area under 

 market gardens is probably about 650 acres, of which some 

 300 acres are under straw^berries. Other crops are early potatoes, 

 peas, beans and turnips. 



Strawberries are usually left down for three years and are 

 cropped as one-year-old plants. The principal variety gTown is 

 Eoyal Sovereign, but a few Kentish Favourites. Laxtons and 

 Nobles are to be found. When the three-year-old plants are 

 removed, potatoes and other crops follow for two years to admit 

 of thorough cleaning before planting strawberries again. During 

 the past year it is estimated that 60-70 acres of market garden 

 land has reverted to strawberries; a few new holdings are also 

 being developed. Suitable land is still obtainable between 

 Cheddar and Draycott, and there appears to be no reason why 



