5 minute read
Beyond the Ordinary
Fergus Corrigan (Class of 2011) is the founder of Northern Lavender, a blooming business set in the heart of North Yorkshire. After time spent farming in America, Fergus returned to the UK and swapped fish-farming ambitions for fragrant fields, now growing thousands of lavender plants and producing handcrafted oils, candles, scrubs, and more. When he’s not harvesting at dawn or chatting with the WI about clary sage, he’s dreaming up the next evolution of the farm—from flower fields to future farm shop.
Fondest memories from Trinity?
Probably one of the snow days that a pupil that will go unnamed went and wrote a rather interesting message in the snow on the top rugby fields.
Did your time at school influence your journey into agriculture or running your own business?
My time at school in a roundabout way would have influenced me, I’m not sure farming is suggested to many students. I loved DT and still make plenty of things on the farm, from fencing to welding.
Who or what sparked your interest in farming?
We did an aptitude test in the third or fourth form which said I should be a fish farmer - and this is pretty close. It sowed a seed (excuse the pun) somewhere in my mind and I’m putting this into practice.
What inspired you to start Northern Lavender?
While farming in America , I heard a lavender farmer on the radio and thought why not?
Tell us about a typical day on the farm—what does it look like throughout the seasons?
Farming in summer usually begins at dawn, where bunches of flowers are picked, they have the highest oil content and smell at this time, then it could be retreating to the sheds to make candles or make up another batch of bath oil in the afternoon. Today I’ve been sowing seeds in the greenhouse, come back to label candles which were poured last night, I’m going out now to fence a field whilst its dry and will be back mixing up hand lotion again this afternoon. This is while meeting the beekeepers, the parish council and a local chef. And always paperwork to do. lots of paperwork...
Biggest challenge you’ve faced in making the switch to farming?
The weather. It is what it is.
Most rewarding moment so far?
Our first magazine feature was pretty sweet to see. Probably the random emails that come in from customers saying our products are nice, customers returning is also the best feeling too. The single best moment so far was when my parents sent me a picture of the sugar snap peas I grew in Zimbabwe, that were air freighted over, and they had just bought them from Waitrose.
Have you had to learn any unexpected new skills?
I know all these bizarre things about smells and flowers too. Never thought I’d be comfortable talking with a group of women from the WI about using clary sage candles around birthing. Equally talking to brides about the significance of certain flowers in their bouquet.
What advice would you give to someone looking to take a similar leap?
Do it. Don’t conform. Make your own path. Hard work pays off and seeing what you have achieved is the best payment you can have.
Which Trinity teachers or classmates left a lasting impression?
Mr Swinson. Gave me the opportunities to go around Europe and experience brilliant things, also gave me 2 of my best friends by being stuck next to them in choir. Mr Bird was my biology teacher and CCF commander - he had a style that was awesome. He’d teach you in a way that you didn’t get bored, you wanted to learn. Life doesn’t need to be too serious. We also got fantastic results from him.
Do you stay in touch with any school friends?
I can’t get rid of them! They are my best friends, I’ve been best man for one, and due to be best man for another this autumn. You don’t know why you met but you’re so happy you did. Its half our lives we’ve been together now.
Favourite product from your range (or one you’re most proud of)?
Obviously, our flowers are number one. They smell great and look great. We have a new pink salt scrub out now that was designed for a spa. They love the stuff, it’s a great combination of natural butters, oils and Himalayan salt with our rosemary essential oil.
Any plans to expand or try something new at the farm?
We will expand in the future to be able to grow more flowers. We would like to build a farm shop where we can supply local veg, meat and prepared foods from neighbouring farms. North Yorkshire has some of the best food in the country and the quality of produce around us is incredible.
Dream dinner guests (dead or alive)?
Just my friends. Never a bad dinner party with them.
Where can people find out more— or come visit?
Instagram @northern lavender
We will open for summer visits this summer from June to coincide with school holidays. Amazing walking, and hotels around us, the best pubs in the world too and north Yorkshire has 27 Michelin stars this year and you can find our veg on a lot of their menus too.
