Stoke Fruit Farm, situated on the picturesque Hayling Island off the southern coast of England, has recently taken to social media to issue an unconventional appeal to its visitors: a plea to refrain from posing for naked photos amidst their stunning sunflower fields.
Run by siblings Sam Wilson and Nette Petley, the owners of the farm noticed a growing trend of individuals shedding their clothes to capture photos among the sunflowers. In a recent Facebook post, the farm administration emphasized the importance of maintaining a family-friendly environment, stating, “We are a family area, and please keep your clothes on in the sunflowers! We are having an increase of reports of naked photography taking place, and this must not happen during our public sessions, please!”
Spanning an extensive 350 acres, Stoke Fruit Farm, a legacy established by their grandfather, cultivates a diverse range of crops, including wheat, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, sweetcorn, hay, and of course, sunflowers.
Sam Wilson, in an interview with CNN, revealed that there have been approximately six incidents of nude photography since the sunflower field was opened to visitors at the end of the previous month. In response to this concerning behavior, the farm decided to strategically place signs around the premises to address the issue, especially considering the presence of children who could potentially be exposed to such incidents.
“We are a really free and happy farm, but we just can’t have nudity in public view,” Wilson emphasized. Nette Petley, his sister, added, “While it’s a really happy and fun place that gives you an empowering feeling, it’s important to consider the people around and show respect.”
The sunflowers, originally planted by Wilson and his then-fiancée near the church where they exchanged vows six years ago, were intended to bloom in time for their wedding. Though they didn’t quite meet that timeline, the couple established an honesty box for visitors to pluck the flowers while they were away on their honeymoon.
The farm’s unexpected popularity paved the way for the sunflower attraction to flourish, expanding over time. Now, the farm invites paying visitors to explore an expansive area adorned with a staggering two million sunflowers, encompassing around 50 acres, according to Wilson. As they welcome guests to enjoy the beauty of their sunflower fields, Stoke Fruit Farm is making it clear that respect for the family-friendly environment remains a top priority.
