THE summer heatwave has stunted the growth of 40,000 sunflower seeds planted at The Picking Patch at Bicton Manor Farm on the edge of the New Forest.

The small farmstead near Fordingbridge has been maintaining a sustainable and eco friendly approach to growing crops, relying on just rainfall to water the two-acre site.

Scorching and dry weather has sadly seen plants growing to half of their expected height – but while this may seem bad news, it has provided a novel experience for many young fans picking their own colourful flowers.

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The Sunflower Patch, situated beside the A338, has seen a similar ecological effect affect their five-acre puzzle Maize Maze and have adapted to the situation creating many more interactive and photo opportunities for visitors to the sight which opened today (August 22).

Patch founder Niall Smith said: “Summer sunshine is joyous, but the consequences for our crops has seen them struggle to grow and reach their full potential with the lack of rainfall.”

“Whilst not ideal it has forced a burst of creativity with many new ideas to entertain, bringing memory making moments to family days out with games like the Sherlock Bones trail and the water themed Pirates Splashdown in the countryside.”