A FAMILY-RUN organic farm in Dawlish is branching out with its own Pumpkin Patch. 

Smallacombe Farm is opening the new area dedicated to growing pumpkins using organic seeds.

For 20 years, the farm next to the Smugglers Inn, run by Alison Thomson, her son Ross and partner Ginny, have been certified organic, raising sheep and cattle.

One of the first farms in the area to become organic, it has been certified by the Soil Association since 2003.

The area is weeded by hand and the pumpkins are pollinated by bees from the hives situated on the patch. 

A seed recycling system is also planned so anyone harvesting their pumpkins is invited to leave the messy inner pulp so the seeds can be replanted for next year. 

The new venture is in addition to the farm’s established range of organic food including goats milk, chicken and lamb.

From October, the public will be able to pick their own pumpkins at the farm.