Situated in the village of St Mary’s Platt between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, Potash Farm sells Kentish cobnuts in their green, golden and de-husked states. We speak to the rural property consultant Alexander Hunt about what’s on offer in a nutshell from this specialist supplier
TELL US THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR FARM
Potash Farm was planted in about 1900 and is the county’s prime showcase plantation for cobnuts. I’ve owned the farm and have been involved in it for 36 years, having lived in the village for 54 years.
WHAT DO YOU GROW THERE?
I grow and pick 25 acres of Kentish cobnuts and six acres of walnuts, selling them 12 months of the year; I’m the only grower who does this. I also buy in great soft-shelled almonds and pecan nuts, and import very high-quality chestnuts for the dessert market as well.
HOW DOES BEING BASED IN KENT ENSURE THE NUTS ARE OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY?
Kent is ideal for growing cobnuts and walnuts, with its slightly dryer and sunnier climate. We produce about two tonnes of Kentish cobnuts and walnuts per acre.
CAN VISITORS PURCHASE THE NUTS IN YOUR FARM SHOP?
The farm shop is open by appointment and has our full range of nuts, plus the added-value items, ready to purchase at any time. The Potash Farm walks and my talks are very popular; I travel throughout the country to talk about Potash Farm and the edible nut tree business called The Walnut Tree Company.
COULD YOU EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT THAT?
The Walnut Tree Company is the county’s leading supplier of quality walnut, sweet chestnut, almond and Kentish cobnut trees, and gives specialist advice for the garden, orchard, forest and amenities/landscape uses.
PART OF YOUR ACREAGE HAS THE FULL SOIL ASSOCIATION ORGANIC STATUS – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
One of my cobnut Platts is grown organically and is the only Platt registered with the Soil Association in Bristol. These nuts go to specific organic nut outlets, and the finished nut quality is the same as the conventionally grown nuts.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE THE FARM GOING FORWARD?
The future for Potash Farm has never been better. We have about 120 trade customers and
a very strong website business, attend about 10 farmers’ markets a month and are on the road every weekend at major food festivals and events. Our home-grown Kentish nuts are very healthy, containing many vital vitamins that are essential for a healthy daily diet.
THE POTASH FARM PARTNERSHIP
Apple Trees, Comp Lane, St Mary’s Platt, Nr Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 8NR | 01732 882 734
www.kentishcobnuts.com | www.walnuttrees.co.uk | info@kentishcobnuts.com
