North West and North Wales Branch
Study Visit to J and J Thompson and Sons, Hesketh Bank
Friday 25 September 2026
An exciting opportunity to visit this third-generation family business specialising in the growing and packing of Radish and the production of Bedding Plants and Pot Plants.
Radish
0ver 120ha (300 acres) of Radish are grown and packed during the English season with crop imported during the winter months. Up to 70 tonnes are harvested and packed each week. We will see the full production cycle, growing crops, harvesting, washing and packing.
Bedding and Pot Plants
The family have over 6ha (15 acres) of modern glasshouses with additional rented area during peak production. We will follow the full cycle, from propagation, transplanting, growing on and despatch. We will be looking at crops of Pansy, Viola, Cyclamen and Poinsettia.
Learning Outcomes
To gain an appreciation of the techniques and technology used in the commercial production of Radish and Bedding plants.
Outline Programme
10.00 Meet for Coffee and then travel to the site
10.30 Radish production
12.00 – 14.00 Lunch (Venue TBC)
14.00 Bedding and Pot Plants
15.30 Depart
A detailed itinerary will be issued before the visit
Booking
As this is a visit to a commercial business places are limited. Names will be accepted on a first come basis.
Please register your interest with the North West & North Wales Branch directly at [email protected].
