A PUMPKIN patch has opened its doors to the public after months of preparation.

Otto’s Pumpkin Patch in Braintree is new this year and celebrated its grand opening earlier this month.

The farm, owned by Finn Cousins and his family, is just off Galley’s Roundabout.

Braintree and Witham Times: Finn hard at work at the patchFinn hard at work at the patch (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: Finn speaking to Braintree Councillor Peter SchwierFinn speaking to Braintree Councillor Peter Schwier (Image: N/A)

The farm has been a part of Finn’s family for 300 years.

In March, Finn, family and friends spent three days planting 5,000 pumpkin seeds by hand.

Finn said: “The site is ready and all open to the public now and the first weekend was great.

“I think it’s Braintree’s first pumpkin patch and we had about 500 people come for the opening weekend which is great for its first year.

“It was very much a family affair for the first weekend, in the fact that myself, my brother and sister, mum and dad and family friends all helped out.

“It was an amazing couple of days.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Guests arrive at the patchGuests arrive at the patch (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: The pumpkins come in all shapes and sizesThe pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes (Image: N/A)

The farm is also working to be environmentally friendly and avoid waste.

Finn said: “We teamed up with a local farmer to give unused pumpkins to so there is no wastage. It will feed their cattle and see the pumpkins getting another life.

“We have been supporting local producers and cattle farmers to keep food miles low and will be giving some pumpkins to the Salvation Army for carving events.

“We have also been pushing pumpkin recipes too, so there are other options for the pumpkins besides carving. They can use them for, soups, pies or even roasted pumpkin seeds.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Finn with dad Nick at the patchFinn with dad Nick at the patch (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: Finn inside the pumpkin houseFinn inside the pumpkin house (Image: N/A)

The patch has plenty to enjoy, including family activities, picnic areas and opportunities to learn about farming.

Finn said: “As you walk in there are five massive letters spelling out Otto's which looks great, then we have various seating, a marquee, pumpkin house, decorated tree, woodland trail and giant Jenga and chalkboards for kids.

Braintree and Witham Times: Guests parked up in Otto's Pumpkin PatchGuests parked up in Otto's Pumpkin Patch (Image: N/A)

“It has also been really fun welcoming everyone to the patch to show them what we do.

“We have been explaining about our tractors and where some of their food comes from.

“It is nice exposure for farming.”