Catherine Roth meets the local market gardeners who are helping to keep us fed through the coronavirus pandemic.
A DERBYSHIRE couple who swapped their office jobs for the outdoors several years ago by setting up a market garden have been doing their bit to keep us fed through the coronavirus crisis. Pingle Produce is run by husband-and wife team, Fash and Gus Ashley, and their friend and neighbour, Hattie Kerrs, who grow a variety of salad crops, vegetables and soft fruits on the eight-acre plot of land at Ashleyhay, near Wirksworth. Demand for their produce has risen during the pandemic, even though the closure of local cafes meant the loss of several important customers. Their veg boxes have proved particularly popular, which people can pick up from a collection point in the town…