Roads, Roots & Rumbles of Progress at ValleRuan Olive Oil

Newly arrived olive trees in pots await planting at ValleRuan, basking under a bright blue sky.

There’s been a bit of a shake-up down at the groves. Quite literally, in fact – diggers have been rumbling through our usually tranquil Cornish countryside, carving out a smart new road and parking area that will (hopefully) mean fewer visitors getting stuck in the mud or performing impromptu 37-point turns near a hedgerow.

While we’ll always love the rustic charm of ValleRuan Olive Oil, it’s fair to say that a bit of infrastructure doesn’t go amiss. Now, whether you’re arriving to marvel at Britain’s first ever olive oil or just popping by to say hello to the trees, your tyres – and your nerves – will thank you.

Speaking of trees…

We’re thrilled to report that hundreds of new olive trees are being planted across the estate as we speak. And before you imagine us planting in neat, uniform lines with military precision: think again.

Cornwall, as it happens, is full of surprises – not least its climate. While we’re known for our pasties and pirates, we’re also blessed with a mild maritime microclimate that’s unusually kind to Mediterranean crops. The salty sea air keeps things temperate, there’s rarely a frost in sight, and when it comes to rainfall… well, let’s just say we’re rich in it.

Olive trees, as it turns out, are fussy little things. They don’t all like the same soil or slope. So instead of going in all gung-ho and planting every last one in the same spot, we’re taking a more strategic approach. A few here, a few there – like scattering seeds of future greatness (or, at the very least, fruitfulness).

Some sites are warm and sheltered. Others are blustery and bold. It’s a bit like sending your kids to different universities just to see who thrives where. Only with more compost and fewer student loans.

This phased planting means we can monitor how each group fares and adapt accordingly. Olive-growing in Britain is still a bit of a wild frontier, so trial and error is part of the fun – especially when it leads to more resilient groves and tastier olive oil in the long run.

So, next time you visit, take a stroll through the groves. You’ll spot young trees at various stages of growth, all settling into their new homes, swaying gently in the Cornish breeze – and not a traffic cone in sight.

Progress may be slow and muddy at times, but it’s always rooted in care and curiosity.

Remember: ValleRuan Olive Oil is not your average British drizzle.