Marks & Spencer is putting seed planting innovation at the heart of Christmas this year.
Brussels sprout supplier Seahills from Arbroath has pioneered mixing wildflower seeds between sprout rows to provide important habitats for bees, butterflies, ladybirds and hoverflies that help to naturally manage pests. Farming with nature helps to improve biodiversity and crop quality and yield.
Seahills is part of the M&S Farming for the Future programme and dedicates 20% of its land to nature as well as measuring its environmental footprint with Soil Association Exchange and taking part in soil health training, focusing on the biology, chemistry and physics of its soils to improve how crops are planted, grown and harvested.
Based on Scotland’s east coast near Arbroath, Seahills supplies 100% of the M&S hand-trimmed sprout line and due to its unique location and climate, grows the UK’s longest sprout season, harvesting from early September right through to April and May.
Seahills ensures the absolute best quality sprouts and is the only sprout grower in the UK that hand trims every sprout, removing blemishes that machines can’t, resulting in cleaner, better-looking sprouts with longer shelf life and giving M&S a unique point of difference at Christmas.
The farm has also worked with the RSPB for more than 10 years, planting and maintaining seed mixes supplied by the charity, which have helped increase corn bunting nesting on the land, while the coastal cliffs include areas with triple SSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status that are home to species such as puffins and dolphins.
Seahills was established by owner Peter Stirling, with Farm Manager Gary Bruce overseeing day-to-day operations. The relationship with M&S has been built over two decades of close collaboration and a shared commitment to quality, responsible farming and innovation.
Gary Bruce said: “We’re looking at the whole journey from seed onwards – from soil health and biodiversity through to how we harvest and trim every sprout. Hand trimming makes a big difference to quality, and the support from M&S means we can keep analysing and improving how we grow our crops for the future.”
A “Goldilocks” climate for sweeter sprouts
The east coast location gives Seahills what Gary describes as a Goldilocks climate, not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter. This helps reduce pest and disease pressure and contributes to the naturally sweeter flavour of their sprouts.
Their work with the James Hutton Institute has included studies on Seahills’ sprout varieties, which have shown a sweeter profile, something the team attributes to their climate and growing conditions.
Brussels sprouts are one of M&S’s most iconic Christmas vegetables, and December is the busiest time at Seahills. Although harvesting runs from September, volumes ramp up sharply in December, supported by increased labour and harvesting squads.
Gary continued: “Brussels sprouts are an important food all year around, not just at Christmas. They’re full of vitamins people need, and we want to promote that wherever possible.”
Hary Wilder, senior food technologist for Fresh Produce at M&S, said: “Christmas at M&S is all about great food, and our long-standing exclusive partnership with Seahills continues to deliver a unique product exclusively for M&S. This year, we’ve taken that partnership further with Seahills becoming a Farming for the Future Monitor Farm – demonstrating an early commitment to our Plan A for Farming 2030 goals and showing how innovation and responsible farming go hand in hand to give customers the best produce while protecting nature for the future.”
Last year, Seahills won an M&S Select Farm “Unsung Hero” Award, recognising the team’s commitment and leadership. Looking ahead, Seahills continues to focus on soil health and the challenges of climate change. They also grow potatoes and strawberries, some of which go to M&S, and remain committed to encouraging healthy diets.
