Growers are returning Carshalton to its past as a leading lavender centre, producing pure oil for the first time in 150 years.

Purple fields in the area were turned into a world-famous industry at factories dotted along the River Wandle during the 19th century.

But while shades of Provence re-emerged in recent years, lavender bundles were always sent to Norfolk for large-scale processing.

The journeys are now ending as volunteers have bought distillery equipment with a Thames Community Foundation grant.

Alistair Cruickshank, chairman of the Carshalton Lavender group, said: “Lavender oil has been distilled in Carshalton on a large scale for the first time in probably 150 years.

"This is the latest stage in our programme of restoring the lavender industry, for which the area was once famous.

“Our 10th annual harvest weekend again brought thousands of people to the lavender field at the Stanley Road allotments.

"For the first time, visitors were also able to watch the whole process of distilling oil from freshly harvested flowers.

"Our new still produced its first batch - and it is top quality lavender oil.”

Commercial lavender-growing died out in the 1930s when the lethal “shab” disease struck and developers began concreting over fields.

Over the past decade it has enjoyed a renaissance as farmers have capitalised on the booming market for essential oils.

Lavender gains its fragrance from the oil, embedded in the tiny glands of each petal and separated from the plant with steam in the still.

During the harvest weekend, visitors were also able to pick their own flowers and buy lavender soaps, cosmetics, biscuits and crafts.

A limited amount of the oil is available from carshaltonlavender@yahoo.co.uk, at £12 per 5ml bottle plus postage.

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