EIGHTEEN months hard work planning – and then a wait for growing season – has finally paid off for a couple, with the launch of their herb business. John and Rhonda Sayer have formed Nicholson s Herb Farm, in Chatteris, which specialises in culinary and a

EIGHTEEN months hard work planning - and then a wait for growing season - has finally paid off for a couple, with the launch of their herb business.

John and Rhonda Sayer have formed Nicholson's Herb Farm, in Chatteris, which specialises in culinary and aromatic herbs.

Mrs Sayer said: "We've spent about 18 months planning it in the end. We were not quite ready to open in spring last year and, by the time we were, we missed the growing season."

Production of the first herbs has started, in polytunnels covering a five-acre site at the family home.

Currently, herbs are being sold through the internet and at farmers' markets across the county.

Some 'collections' of eight or nine different herbs have also been created, all carrying a theme - for example, garden herbs which attract bees.

Mrs Sayer said: "We have put together several collections, aimed mostly at people who think they do not know enough about herbs."

The Sayers are also offering a range of herbal toiletries, with products sourced from local suppliers.

Mrs Sayer said: "We have made a lot of effort limiting the amount of packaging we will use to ship goods, to make us more environmentally-friendly.

"Also, we hope people will buy local and reduce their food miles."

n For more information, or to make a purchase, contact 01354 669801. Alternatively, visit www.nicholsonherbfarm.co.uk or email admin@nicholsonherbfarm.co.uk.

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Rhonda Sayer inside one of her new polytunnels, where herb production has begun.

Pictures: BRIAN PURDY 6827BP39/6839BP39