OVERTON Poppy Fields will not reopen to the public this year after crops were irreversibly damaged by trampling tourists, it has been confirmed.
Last year, Wildflower Turf opened the fields up to the public free of charge, but word of the spectacular flower display spread and quickly the field became overwhelmed with visitors.
Wildflower Turf announced the closure of the field on June 8, last year, after "irreversible damage" had been done to the fields by a small selection of the community who ignored signs telling them not to walk in the field.
We contacted Wildflower Turf to see if the fields would reopen this year, a spokesperson told the Gazette: “I am afraid after last year we have taken the sad decision to keep the fields closed to the public.”
Images posted on social media last year showed dozens of people visiting the poppy fields, with a stream of cars said to have blocked the road for cyclists and walkers.
Other photos show evidence of the poppies themselves being trampled on.
Wildflower Turf took to Facebook page last year to state that signs restricting people to a certain area had been removed and that the poppies had been trampled.
It added that people had been spotted picnicking on other parts of the farm.
"This field is not a tourist site, it is our livelihood," the message read.
"Please can anyone else planning on visiting think twice and if you still decide to come please respect the land, the crop and the surrounding area."
But just a few hours later, it announced that the fields would be closed for the remainder of the year.
"We are so glad that our beautiful field of poppies has been responsibly enjoyed and admired by so many of you this year," the message read.
"We have always encouraged people to enjoy the countryside, its biodiversity and its beauty. Sadly however, after a lot of consideration, as of tonight the poppy field will be closed to visitors.
"Unfortunately visitors choices today have left us with no alternative as larger parts of our crop are being irreversibly damaged due to people ignoring our signage and roaming freely through the crop.
"The poppy field and surrounding fields are private land and access is now blocked so we ask that you please respect our wishes.
"We are very sad that a small minority have ruined it for everyone else. Thank you to all of you that have made donations to The Royal British Legion, we have raised £629 to date."
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