Do you have a question about Carshalton Lavender? You’ll find answers to the questions that we’re most frequently asked here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for then please do get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help.

I’d like to visit the field – when is it open?
The lavender field is only open to the public during our harvest weekend in July. Unfortunately, we are not open to visit at other times. However, if you’d like to volunteer in the field we hold regular work parties. Occasionally we can accommodate visits from school groups or groups with a specific purpose (e.g. photography or painting) – please get in touch with us and we’ll see what we can do.

How can I get involved with Carshalton Lavender?
Carshalton Lavender is run entirely by volunteers – we wouldn’t exist without their help, and we love meeting new people. There are a number of ways that you can help out: volunteering at one of our regular work parties, adopting your own row of lavender, fostering some of our cuttings. Take a look at our Get involved section for more information, or get in touch with us for more details.

I have lavender growing in my garden, how should I look after it?
You can find more information about growing lavender here.

What varieties of lavender do you grow?
Naming varieties of lavender is a difficult task and there is much conflicting information. In our field, we believe we are growing two varieties of Lavandula x intermedia called ‘Pale Pretender’ and ‘Seal’. For more information take a look at History of the field or Local history.

What can I do with lavender oil?
There are a number of uses for lavender oil. You’ll find some suggested uses in our Guide to lavender essential oil.

Are you the same field that is next to Oaks Farm, visible from the crossroads on the way to Banstead?
No, although we have the same roots. Carshalton Lavender is a not-for-profit community project that is sometimes confused with Mayfield Lavender, a commercial lavender site on Croydon Lane, Banstead. Between 2003 and 2004, BioRegional planted 20 acres of fields adjacent to Oaks Farm, on the border of Carshalton Beeches, with 3 varieties of lavender (L. angustifolia). BioRegional received generous sponsorship to expand the revival of UK grown lavender from a number of sources. The project transformed under-used land into an attractive lavender field, securing the long-term future of essential green space for the community. BioRegional’s aim was to move this project to a self-supporting financial situation, and Mayfield Lavender took over the management of the field in 2006.

When can I pick my own lavender?
We hold an annual harvest in the last weekend of July, when you are welcome to come along and pick your own lavender. In 2011 the harvest will be held on 30th and 31st July, from 10am to 4pm. Take a look at our Harvest page for more information or email us to be put on our mailing list.

I’m interested in selling your lavender oil and products – is this possible?
Yes. If you’d like to sell Carshalton Lavender products then please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. We can be contacted on 07948 174907 or email us at info@carshaltonlavender.org